FeS₂-sensitized ZnO/ZnS nanorod arrays were fabricated and used as the photoanodes for quantum-dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs). The cell performance of the ZnO/ZnS nanorod arrays after sensitization was better than that of ZnO-based nanorod arrays without sensitizing treatment. Pyrite FeS₂ was found to be an effective photosensitizer for QDSSCs. Various QDSSCs were assembled using different counter electrodes, such as Pt, FeS₂ nanorods and FeS₂ nanoparticles, and comparisons of cell performance as well as catalytic activity were made among them.