A simple and effective strategy was used to fundamentally improve the performance of a heterostructured Ni(OH)(2)/CdS/ZnIn2S4/TiO2 photoanode. TiO2 nanorods grown hydrothermally on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) and annealed at 500 degrees C yielded an optimal photocurrent density of similar to 988 mu A cm(-2) at 0.1 V vs. Ag/AgCl under simulated illumination conditions. The annealing process minimized the defects in TiO2 and assisted in the formation of close contacts between the FTO and TiO2 nanorods, which allowed for efficient electron transport. The stepwise introduction of ZnIn2S4 and CdS on annealed TiO2 enhanced absorption in the visible range and electron/hole separation in CdS/ZnIn2S4/TiO2. Additionally, the Ni(OH)(2) cocatalyst functioned in hole trapping and improved the stability of the photoelectrode through timely consumption of the photo generated charges, particularly the holes.