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The demonstration of an efficient nanostructure that provides acceptable photoelectrochemical water splitting properties using the sun visible radiation is an appealing issue. In this connection, a new ternary nanocomposite of Ag 2 S/MoS 2 /ZnO photoanode is subsequently fabricated via hydrothermal, solvothermal and SILAR methods. Different properties of the nanocomposite are characterized by XRD, SEM, EDX, XPS, UV–Vis-IR spectroscopy and electrochemical techniques. The post-grown annealed 8-Ag 2 S/MoS 2 /ZnO photoanode exhibits a good performance with a photocurrent density of 2 mA/cm2 at a bias potential 1.23 V vs. RHE. The photocurrent of the post-grown annealed 8-Ag 2 S/MoS 2 /ZnO photoanode is 71.42 times, 40 times and 2 times higher compares to the pure ZnO, post-grown annealed MoS 2 /ZnO, and post-grown annealed 8-Ag 2 S/ZnO photoanodes, respectively. The enhanced PEC performance may originate from the combination of different effects such as the expansion of light absorption and energy band alignment (type II heterostructures), [SO 4 ] acted as a charge-transfer medium, and electrode-electrolyte interface kinetic reactions. [Display omitted] • Ag 2 S/MoS 2 /ZnO ternary nanocomposite was successfully synthesized in three steps. • This ternary photoanode greatly improved the photocurrent of the PEC water splitting. • Ag 2 S components are utilized as light-absorption sensitizers. • The sacrificial reagent electrolyte is used to study the reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]