Scientists have successfully created freestanding, single-atom-thick sheets of gold, a major breakthrough in materials science. The method, known as goldene synthesis, expands the boundaries of what is possible with materials and has potential applications in electronics, photonics, sensing, biomedicine, and more. The researchers expect goldene to exhibit new properties similar to graphene. The synthesis process involves embedding gold atoms inside titanium silicon carbide and then using Murakami’s reagent to remove the host crystal. This discovery offers exciting prospects for the development of 2D metals and understanding their properties, and goldene should be studied further for its potential catalytic properties and other applications.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scientists create freestanding, single-atom-thick sheets of gold | Advancement in materials science | More possibilities for using gold in various applications | Exploring the properties of goldene and its potential applications |
| Goldene expected to exhibit new properties | Potential development of 2D metals | Advancements in understanding and utilizing 2D metals | Exploration of goldene’s properties and applications |
| Goldene has higher binding energy than regular gold | Enhanced ability to catalyze chemical reactions | Increased use of goldene for catalysis and other applications | Expanding the capabilities of goldene in various fields |
| Goldene produced using the method of exfoliation | Advancement in materials synthesis techniques | Improved methods for creating freestanding, single-atom-thick sheets of metals | Innovation in the exfoliation process utilizing new techniques and reagents |