Photocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen (H-2) generation using semiconductor materials is considered as one of the promising avenues for direct solar-to-fuel conversion. In this context, cocatalysts play very significant roles in improving the efficiency of semiconductor-based photocatalytic process. Considering potential future applications, cocatalysts based on cheap and earth-abundant materials are of importance for cost-effective solar-to-hydrogen conversion. This review is devoted to recent progresses in developing Ni-based cocatalysts for semiconductor-based photocatalytic H-2 production. Different kinds of Ni-based materials, including inorganic metal and compounds, hydrogenases, as well as molecular complexes, that can function as cocatalysts in combination with semiconductors for photocatalytic H-2 generation are discussed in detail. The structural features and functional mechanisms of various semiconductor-cocatalyst composite systems are reviewed. Finally, a brief discussion on future directions, challenges and opportunities in this fascinating area of research is also provided. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.