The discovery of the goldeno, published in the prestigious magazine Nature Synthesis, was inspired by the principle of graphene, a carbon-based material known for its extreme strength and thinness. Like graphene, goldeno acquires unique and useful properties by organizing itself into two-dimensional structures.

Exceptional properties of goldeno

Gold, appreciated for its alta conductividad electricity, malleability and resistance to corrosion, finds in the goldeno an improved version of itself. Thanks to the arrangement of gold atoms in a two-dimensional structure, each atom presents "two free links", facilitating the formation of a network that enhances interaction with other structures.

This peculiar atomic configuration of goldeno gives it exceptional properties. Like graphene, composed of grouped carbon, goldeno forms networks that allow a free movement of electrons and a efficient thermal conductivity. These characteristics open a range of promising applications in various fields.

Potential applications of goldeno

Swedish researchers maintain that the structure of the goldeno predicts a bright future in various areas. Among the most notable applications are:

• Carbon dioxide conversion: The goldeno could play a key role in capturing and transforming CO2, contributing to the fight against climate change.
• Hydrogen production catalysis: Goldeno's efficiency as a catalyst could boost the production of hydrogen, a clean and renewable energy source.
• Water purification: The properties of goldeno could be used to develop more effective and sustainable water filtration and purification systems.

Currently, the manufacture of goldeno sheets reaches 200 millimeters, a dimension that already allows its implementation in Practical applications. However, scientists are working tirelessly to expand the possibilities of this innovative material.

The path to the synthesis of goldeno

Obtaining the goldeno was not a simple process. Scientists at Linköping University were researching new ceramic-based semiconductor materials when they unexpectedly stumbled upon this discovery.

During his experiments with silicon and titanium carbide, the team observed that, when subjecting the material to high temperatures, the gold used as a coating replaced the main material in the sheets through a phenomenon known as intercalation. This resulted in the formation of gold-titanium carbide, a kind of "sandwich" where the titanium and carbon formed the "bread" and the network of gold atoms constituted the "ham."

The challenge then was to extract that metal sheet without altering its integrity. After months of experimentation, the team managed to find the solution: the «Murakami reagent», an ancient Japanese forging technique traditionally used to change the color of knives. Using this method, they "polished" the titanium and carbon of the sandwich, revealing the precious goldeno sheet.

A golden future for science and technology

The goldeno represents a milestone in the fabrication of two-dimensional atomic structures. To date, gold has been the unique metal with which sheets one atom thick have been achieved, demonstrating the complexity of this process.

Although goldeno is currently “confined” in a chemical solution to preserve its revolutionary properties, scientists are working hard to expand its potential. Shun Kashiwaya, the lead researcher, describes the one-atom-thick gold foil in its matrix as "cereal with milk", an analogy that evokes the delicacy and promise of this innovative material.

The birth of the goldeno opens a new chapter in materials science and technology. With its unique properties and promising applications, this golden material is emerging as a protagonist in the search for solutions to global challenges such as climate change, clean energy and access to drinking water. Without a doubt, the future looks golden thanks to this revolutionary innovation.