ZnO quantum dots (QDs) sensitized electrodeposited alpha-Fe2O3 thin films have been investigated for their photoelectrochemical performance at various sensitization times. 24 h ZnO QDs sensitization in alpha-Fe2O3 thin film exhibited 5.5 fold enhancement in the photo-current density. This sample shows the highest photocurrent density of 2.84 mA cm(-2) at 0.75 V/SCE electrode potential. XRD, HRTEM, EDX, FESEM, UV visible spectroscopy and Mott-Schottky studies have also been carried out to examine the cause of the improved PEC response of sensitized samples of alpha-Fe2O3. Enhanced photocurrent exhibited by alpha-Fe2O3 thin film after ZnO QDs sensitization has been mainly attributed to efficient charge separation due to the presence of ZnO QDs and to the catalytic behavior of ZnO. Copyright (C) 2015, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.