In this work, we suggested that an efficient ZnO-based photocatalyst can be prepared utilizing energy transfer among organic dyes for visible light-driven hydrogen evolution. Followed this idea, a photocatalytic system containing Eosin Y, Rose Bengal, ZnO nanorod array and Pt was fabricated. Meanwhile, photocatalytic H-2 evolution over the as-prepared photocatalytic system was explored. The results indicate that the visible photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanorod array can be obviously enhanced utilizing the energy transfer between Eosin Y and Rose Bengal. This photocatalytic system possesses high activity for visible light-driven H-2 evolution. A rate of H-2 evolution of approximate 0.52 L m(-2) h(-1) was achieved under optimal condition, which is 130% and 58% higher than those of the photocatalytic systems containing individual dye, respectively. The present results may reveal a new strategy for preparation of efficient visible photocatalyst. (C) 2018 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.