Nickel selenide/reduced graphene oxide (Ni0.85Se/rGO) nanosheet composite is synthesized by a facile hydrothermal process and used as counter electrode (CE) for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). The Ni0.85Se/rGO film spin-coated on FTO show prominent electrocatalytic activity toward I-3(-)/I-. The electrocatalytic ability of Ni0.85Se/rGO film is verified by photocurrent-voltage curves, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Tafel polarization curves. On account of its decent electrical conductivity and superior electrocatalytic activity, the DSSC using optimal Ni0.85Se/rGO CE achieves a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 9.75%, while the DSSC based on sputtered Pt CE only obtains a PCE of 8.15%. (C) 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.