1：Experimental Design and Method Selection:

A two-step electrodeposition approach was used to fabricate hierarchical ZNRAs on stainless steel mesh substrates. The first step involved the deposition of primary ZNRAs, followed by the growth of secondary branched ZnO nanorods on the primary ZnO nanorods surfaces.

2：Sample Selection and Data Sources:

Stainless steel mesh (300 mesh, 99.5% purity) was used as the substrate. The morphologies of ZNRAs and the photovoltaic performances of the assembled DSSCs were analyzed.

3：5% purity) was used as the substrate. The morphologies of ZNRAs and the photovoltaic performances of the assembled DSSCs were analyzed. List of Experimental Equipment and Materials:

3. List of Experimental Equipment and Materials: CHI760C electrochemical workstation, Zeiss Supra-55 field emission scanning electron microscope, Rigaku Dmax-2500 X-ray diffractometer, UV–vis spectrophotometer (TU-1901), solar photovoltaic efficiency tester (7IS0503A).

4：Experimental Procedures and Operational Workflow:

The electrodepositions were performed under 80 °C water bath with a three-electrode system. The primary ZNRAs were electrodeposited under a potential of -1.0 V with different durations and times, followed by secondary electrodeposition to grow hierarchical ZNRAs.

5：0 V with different durations and times, followed by secondary electrodeposition to grow hierarchical ZNRAs. Data Analysis Methods:

5. Data Analysis Methods: The morphologies of ZNRAs were characterized by SEM and XRD. The photovoltaic performances of DSSCs were measured by J-V curves.