Photon-induced water splitting experimental and kinetic studies with a hydrothermally prepared TiO2-doped rGO photocatalyst

•The nanocomposite photocatalyst has been synthesized by modified Hammar method followed by hydrothermal treatment.•The nanocomposite photocatalyst has been characterized to assure its composition and surface structure.•The superior effect of the nanocomposite towards photon-induced water splitting was verified both in solar and simulated irradiations.•A macrokinetic study has been done to understand the role of diffusion of ions to and from the surface of the photocatalyst.