Hybrid photocatalysts with suitable band structures are expected to show enhanced photocatalytic activity as compared to their constituent single phase compounds due to their improved physico-chemical properties. Here, we report an enhanced photocatalytic activity of a new composite photocatalyst comprising of ZrO2, TiO2, and CdS. This hybrid catalyst exhibits increased photocatalytic activity for hydrogen generation from water as compared to their constituent compounds. The photocatalytic activity decreases in the order: ZrO2-TiO2-CdS > TiO2-CdS > ZrO2-CdS > CdS > ZrO2-TiO2 approximate to TiO2 > ZrO2. An apparent quantum efficiency of 11.5% is obtained for ZrO2-TiO2-CdS with Pd as co-catalyst. Absorption edge of the composite is slightly blue shifted compared with that of pure CdS. Photoluminescence lifetime studies indicate an increased lifetime for the charge carriers in the composite sample as compared to that of pure CdS. Transmission electron microscopy images reveal that the particle size of the composite is much less than that of single phase CdS. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of the composite is attributed to the decreased particle size of CdS and increased lifetime of the charge carriers resulting from the efficient interfacial transfer of photogenerated electrons at the CdS/TiO2 and CdS/ZrO2 interface. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.