Low-cost Ni modified CdS was prepared via a hydrothermal reduction method. The hydrogen production activity of CdS loaded with 5 wt% Ni under visible light was even higher than that of the one loaded with 0.5 wt% Pt. The highest H-2 evolution rate (3004.8 mu mol h(-1)) occurred when the concentration of sacrificial agent (lactic acid) was 50 vol%. The nickel can quickly transfer excited electrons and enhance the photocatalytic H-2 production activity. It was also found that the hydrogen evolution in this system was generated steadily from both water and lactic acid. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.