A p-type Zn-doped hematite (alpha-Fe2O3(Zn)) in spindle-shape with an acceptor density of ca. 4.21 x 10(18) cm(-3) were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method. After alpha-Fe2O3(Zn) was modified with graphene-like WS2 (alpha-Fe2O3(Zn)/WS2), the photoelectrochemical performances of the composite can be further enhanced. A photocell composed of the p-type alpha-Fe2O3(Zn)/WS2 nanocomposite as photocathode and n-type alpha-Fe2O3 as photoanode was assembled to estimate the photocatalytic activity of alpha-Fe2O3(Zn)/WS2. The amount of the hydrogen and oxygen produced from this tandem cell with the optimal electrodes under 2 h simulated solar light irradiation is 12.5 mu mol and 4.3 mu mol, respectively. (C) 2018 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.