Photo-catalytic effect enhanced by the chemisorption of phenylethyl-mercaptan-assembled monolayers on Au-clusters/TiO2-anatase thin film

► PEM/partially covered Au-clusters/TiO2-anatase thin film is particularly prepared. ► PEM/lower-coverage Au-clusters/TiO2 surface exhibits higher photo-catalytic. ► PEM/high-coverage Au-clusters/TiO2 surface exhibits irrelevant influence. ► A similar MB degradation rate constant for the PEM/Au-clusters/TiO2 system is obtained.