A series of 0.75 wt% Pt/CdS photocatalysts were successfully synthesized via a modified photoreduction process, with the assistance of a protective agent (polyvinylpyrrolidone, PVP) and/or structural inducer (NaI, NaBr, and NaCl). The physicochemical properties of the obtained 0.75 wt% Pt/CdS photocatalysts were characterized in more detailed. Their photocatalytic efficiencies were evaluated by visible-light photocatalytic hydrogen production. The results show that the photocatalytic activities of 0.75 wt% Pt/CdS photocatalysts for H-2 production mainly depend on the type of structural inducer. Furthermore, a suitable ratio of PVP/NaI is necessary to optimize the photocatalytic performance of Pt/CdS composites. Notably, 0.75 wt% Pt/CdS (PVP/NaI = 4:1) gains the highest hydrogen production activity with a rate of 1155.8 mu mol h(-1), which is 1.8 times higher than that of 0.75 wt% Pt/CdS obtained from the traditional photoreduction method (640.9 mu mol h(-1)) and 17.3 times higher than that of the bare CdS sample (66.9 mu mol h(-1)). The as-prepared 0.75 wt% Pt/CdS photocatalyst (PVP/NaI = 4:1) also exhibits a good stability. An optimum ratio of PVP/NaI not only causes a decrease in particle size of Pt nanoparticles but also leads to an increase in BET specific surface area of Pt/CdS and an enhanced electron transfer capability of Pt nanoparticles, which should be responsible for the enhanced photocatalytic performance. (C) 2017 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.