For the first time, a ferrite nanocomposite photoelectrode (FNCP) has been fabricated and investigated for photoelectrochemical hydrogen production from water under simulated solar light. The ZnFe2O4:Fe 2O3 nanocomposite photoanode has been fabricated via a single step methodology using a novel approach involving the solution precursor plasma spraying technique. The FNCP is achieved by optimal phase formation during the deposition of the ferrite film (∼10 μm) over a stainless steel substrate. It exhibits an enhanced photoactivity 6 times higher compared to pure ZnFe2O4 (ZFO), under simulated-solar (AM1.5 G) illumination. Its Mott-Schottky characterization reveals an n-type semiconducting behaviour, indicating an order of magnitude higher donor density (Nd ∼ 1017 cm-3) than the pure phase ZnFe2O4 electrode. It also exhibits a low band gap of 1.94 eV demonstrating that it can more efficiently absorb visible light photons than other systems comprising of bare zinc ferrite or iron oxide. The FNCP yielded a solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency of 1.25% under simulated solar radiation (AM1.5 G) with a hydrogen evolution rate of 99 μmol h-1. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of the FNCP revealed a significantly improved charge transfer characteristic compared to ZnFe2O 4. An enhanced photoactivity for the oxidation of water from the FNCP is attributed to its improved optical absorption and better charge transfer properties induced by the existence of Fe2O3 in ZnFe 2O4. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2013.