This work proposes a new efficient, long-lasting scalable and low-cost triptych photo catalyst by assembling a semiconductor thin film (planar anatase TiO2), a photosensitive molecule of the carbo-benzene (Cbz) family and plasmonic Ag nanoparticles with exquisite degree of intimacy with the semiconductor. Under simulated sunlight conditions over 48 h, the triptych TiO2/Ag/Cbz photocatalyst allows a hydrogen production rate of 0.18 mmol g(photocatalyst)(-1) h(-1) in conditions of applicative pressure (2.2 bars) and temperature (ambient) suitable for commercial applications. A ternary synergy (similar to 33%) for hydrogen production is clearly evidenced with the triptych material in comparison with the diptych counterpart. The role of each component (TiO2, Ag and Cbz) on the H-2 production is investigated systematically by discriminating the light absorption from the different materials and interfaces. We show how to achieve an efficient vertical Schottky junction between Ag nanoparticles and the TiO2 substrate that is demonstrated to be of crucial importance in the water-splitting process. (C) 2019 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.