The photocatalytic H-2 production efficiency of a multi-component system, containing [Ir(ppy)(2)(bpy)](+) as photosensitizer, [Co(bpy)(3)](2+) as H-2-evolving catalyst, and triethanolamine (TEOA) as sacrificial electron donor, was investigated in water/acetonitrile (8:2, v/v) solution in the presence of different kinds of surfactants, such as cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), Triton X-100, and sodium lauryl sulfonate (NaLS). The H-2 evolution rate is found to follow the order of cationic micellar media > nonionic micellar media > anionic micellar media > water/acetonitrile solution. The underlying mechanism was discussed. Copyright (C) 2011, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.