Why is it in the News?

For the first time, researchers have created a free-standing sheet of gold (goldene) that is only one atom thick.

What Is Goldene?

• Goldene is an innovative, free-standing 2D metal with a thickness of just one atom.
• Created through a unique process, Goldene offers a wide range of potential applications in various industries, particularly in electronics and catalysis.

How is it created?

• Scientists first encapsulate an atomic monolayer of silicon between layers of titanium carbide.
• Gold is deposited on this structure, allowing the gold atoms to diffuse and replace the silicon atoms, creating a monolayer of trapped gold atoms.
• Using Murakami's reagent and a Japanese technique employed in forging katanas and high-quality knives, the titanium carbide layers are etched away, leaving a free-standing, one-atom-thick layer of gold.

Dimensions:

• Goldene sheets are approximately 100 nanometres thick, roughly 400 times thinner than the most delicate commercially available gold leaf.

Applications: Goldene's unique properties offer potential applications in various sectors:

• Electronics industry: Goldene's thinness and conductivity can enhance electrical components and circuitry.
• Carbon dioxide conversion: It can potentially aid in transforming carbon dioxide into useful products.
• Hydrogen-generating catalysis: Goldene could be utilized to efficiently produce hydrogen.
• Selective production of value-added chemicals: The material's properties enable the selective generation of chemicals for specific applications.
• Hydrogen production: It can contribute to the clean production of hydrogen.
• Water purification: Goldene could be implemented in water treatment technologies.

Significance:

• Goldene is an economically viable alternative to conventional, thicker gold structures, making it an appealing option for catalytic applications.
• Its unique characteristics position Goldene as a potentially revolutionary material for various industries.