TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
THE CONTEXT: Goldene, a one-atom thick sheet of gold, marks a significant advancement in material science.
EXPLANATION:
- It was developed by researchers from Sweden’s Linköping University.
- It represents the first instance of a free-standing 2D metal sheet, presenting unprecedented possibilities for various applications.
- While 2D materials like graphene have been created before, developing metallic sheets at the atomic level posed significant challenges.
- Metals tend to aggregate into nanoparticles rather than forming atom-thin sheets.
- Previous attempts produced gold sheets embedded within other materials, but goldene is the first standalone 2D metal structure.
One atom in goldene is bonded to six other gold atoms.
- Goldene is a groundbreaking 2-dimensional allotrope of gold, consisting of a single layer of gold atoms arranged in a two-dimensional structure.
- Goldene exhibits unique properties, such as semiconductor behavior when fabricated into this single-atom-thick layer, unlike the typical conductivity of gold.
- These sheets are approximately 100 nanometers thick, making them around 400 times thinner than the thinnest commercially available gold leaf.
- The creation of goldene involves a process where a single layer of silicon is placed between titanium carbide layers, and gold is added, diffusing into the structure and replacing the silicon.
Creation Process
- Researchers employed a novel technique involving titanium carbide layers and a monolayer of silicon to create goldene.
- Gold atoms were deposited onto this structure, diffusing into the material and replacing silicon atoms.
- Subsequently, the titanium carbide layers were etched away, leaving behind a free-standing, one-atom thick gold layer.
- The process involved the use of Murakami’s reagent, a chemical technique inspired by traditional Japanese sword forging methods.
Characteristics and Potential Applications
- Goldene, approximately 100 nanometres thick, offers exceptional properties due to its ultra-thin nature.
- Its potential applications span various industries, with particular significance in electronics.
- As a highly economical catalyst, goldene could revolutionize electronic devices by reducing the need for gold atoms while maintaining functionality.
Future Prospects
- The technique used to create goldene holds promise for other metallic materials as well.
- Researchers are exploring the development of 2D sheets of iridium and platinum, expanding the potential applications of this groundbreaking technology.
Special Properties and Applications
- Goldene’s unique structure, with each gold atom surrounded by only six neighboring atoms, unlocks potential applications in carbon dioxide conversion, hydrogen generation, catalysis, and water purification.
- Its distinct properties make it a versatile material with wide-ranging implications for scientific and industrial innovation.
- Super thin, super light material can potentially revolutionise the electronics industry.
- Goldene holds promise as a significant catalyst because it’s much more economically viable than thicker, three-dimensional gold.