A group of researchers from Linköping University in Sweden has successfully developed a new type of gold called “goldeno” , composed of sheets just 1 atom thick. This advance, published in the journal Nature Synthesis, could have multiple practical applications, from the production of hydrogen to the manufacture of specialized chemicals.
Similar to the effects observed with graphene, by reducing gold to extreme thinness, it acquires semiconductor characteristics . Shun Kashiwaya, lead researcher and part of the team at Linköping University, highlighted this phenomenon as a fundamental change in the properties of the precious metal.
Accidental discovery
The discovery of goldeno was partly fortuitous, as the team originally worked with silicon titanium carbide, a conductive material, with the intention of coating it with gold. However, after subjecting the component to high temperatures, the silicon was replaced by gold, giving rise to a titanium-gold carbide structure. This “intercalation” technique allowed the formation of the new material.
It is important to mention that Lars Hultman, another researcher involved, adapted an ancient method used in Japanese forging, known as the Murakami reagent. Although he had to modify the formula to suit his needs, these adjustments were crucial for the goldeno’s exfoliation .
To stabilize the very thin goldeno sheets and prevent them from curling, a surfactant was added. Kashiwaya describes the final process of collecting and analyzing goldeno as extracting corn flakes from the milk, using a special sieve to confirm their structure under the electron microscope.
The transformative potential of the goldeno
Thanks to its two free bonds when presented in two-dimensional form, goldeno promises to revolutionize multiple fields , including carbon dioxide conversion and water purification. This material is expected to significantly reduce the amount of gold needed in various industrial applications.
Likewise, the research team plans to extend its discoveries to other noble metals, exploring new applications and increasing the potential of two-dimensional materials in materials science and technology. This approach could unlock even more possibilities in creating new materials with exceptional properties, marking a milestone in materials science and its industrial application.
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Source: clarin.com
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