Scientists have successfully created the world’s thinnest gold foil, known as “goldene”, which offers various applications in carbon dioxide conversion and hydrogen production. This breakthrough was achieved by utilizing a 100-year-old technique used by Japanese ironsmiths to separate layers of gold. The research team at Linköping University in Sweden developed a multi-layer structure of titanium, silicon, and carbon, and coated the surface with gold. By carefully separating the surrounding solid mass using a chemical etching method, they were able to isolate the goldene layer intact.
The researchers further refined their method by experimenting with different reaction conditions and etching solution densities. They discovered that adding the amino acid cysteine as a surfactant helps stabilize the separated layer and prevent gold atoms from forming nanoparticles. The resulting goldene layer is up to 100 nanometers long and significantly thinner than regular gold leaf.
Due to its enhanced chemical reactivity, goldene holds promise for applications in converting carbon dioxide into fuels like ethanol and methane, as well as producing hydrogen from water. The researchers are continuing to optimize their synthesis method for further advancements in this groundbreaking material.
