Yolk-Shell m-SiO2@ Nitrogen doped carbon (NC) has been synthesized by carbonization of m-SiO2@ZIF-8 and dispersed in polystyrenesulfonate-doped poly (3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT: PSS) to prepare yolk-shell m-SiO2@NC-PEDOT: PSS composite as a counter electrode (CE) for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The electrochemical studies confirmed that the yolk-shell m-SiO2@NC-PEDOT: PSS CE exhibits higher catalytic activity compared to (NC-PEDOT: PSS CE and pristine PEDOT: PSS. The DSSCs employing 5% yolk-shell m-SiO2@NC-PEDOT: PSS-PEDOT: PSS composite CE yield photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) of 10.01%, which is superior to that of conventional platinum CE (8.50%). Owing to the simple preparation method, low cost and high catalytic activity, the yolk-shell m-SiO2@NC-PEDOT: PSS can be used as efficient Pt-free CE in DSSCs. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.