NiS2 nanoparticles as noble metal-free co-catalysts were deposited onto the CdLa2S4 nanocrystals through a hydrothermal process. The loading of NiS2 co-catalyst resulted in remarkable enhancement for H-2 production over the CdLa2S4 photocatalyst under visible light irradiation. The optimal hybrid photocatalyst with 2 wt% NiS2 loading exhibited a H-2 production rate of 2.5 mmol h(-1) g(-1), which was more than 3 times higher than that of the pristine CdLa2S4 photocatalyst. The promoted photocatalytic H-2 production by NiS2-loading is attributed to the enhanced separation of photogenerated electrons and holes as well as the activation effect of NiS2 for H-2 evolution. Copyright (c) 2013, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.