Researchers Synthesize Goldenen: Thinnest Metal Sheet Offers Endless Possibilities

Researchers from Linköping University have synthesized a substance called goldenen. It is only one atom thick of gold. It is an analogue of graphene, which is a single sheet of carbon. Golden can be used for sensors and catalysts.

Graphene, a one atom thick carbon material, was discovered in 2004. Since then, scientists have created hundreds of two-dimensional materials. But it is particularly difficult to make two-dimensional sheets of metals because their atoms clump together to form bulky nanoparticles.

Researchers had previously reported one-atom-thick layers of tin and lead, but these metallic structures consisted of layers of atoms deposited on the surface of another material. Until now it has not been possible to obtain individual single-layer metal.

According to scientists at Linköping University, gold is the first 2D metal. The resulting 100-nanometer-thick gold sheets are 400 times thinner than the thinnest commercial gold sheet. Scientists managed to find a very simple way to make gold, suitable for mass production. This method is described in the journal Synthesis of nature.

In making goldene, scientists used a solution of alkaline potassium ferricyanide – K3Fe(CN)6. This compound is known as Murakami’s reagent. “What’s amazing is that Japanese blacksmiths have been using this recipe for over a century to decorate iron products,” he told the magazine. Nature study co-author Lars Hultman.

Golden can play the role of a photocatalyst for splitting water to produce hydrogen, can be used in water desalination and act as a catalyst for chemical reactions.

Scientists are now investigating whether the method used to make goldene can be used to create other single catalytic metals, including expensive ones such as iridium, platinum and palladium.

When graphene was discovered, its applications were not obvious. But within a few years, a variety of its properties were revealed, and a whole industry arose for the use of graphene. Scientists believe that gold also provides many benefits.