While it is not the transformation of lead into gold, the transformation carried out by a group of researchers is probably as impressive as that classic alchemical challenge. An international team of researchers recently managed to turn a portion of cement into metal.

The material obtained showed electrical conductivity and also a strong corrosion resistance - which led to several preliminary considerations related to applications in protective covers, ultra thin films (possibly useful for the manufacture of LCD monitors) and also in computer chips.

How the “miracle” was achieved

Because it is formed by calcium oxide - as well as other common minerals such as silicon dioxide and aluminum oxide - cement is, of course, an electrical insulator. To be able to convert it to metal, researchers heat the material to 2, 000 degrees Celsius with a laser, which eventually turns the powder into a liquid.

Subsequently, an invention called "aerodynamic levitator" - which uses pumping nozzles to levitate any material - was obviously used to levitate liquefied cement. The procedure was necessary so that the material did not end up adhering to the edges of the container, which would cause the formation of crystals.

Process causes electrons (blue balls) to end up trapped inside calcium oxide "cages" Image Source: Playback / ExtremeTech

Various gases are also inserted into the chamber in order to modify the chemical composition of the cement as it cools into the form of a kind of glass.

The result is a structure composed of calcium and aluminum oxides formed in such a way that free electrons end up (ironically) trapped inside calcium oxide structures, thereby making electrical conductivity possible - similar to what would happen to any metal. .

Numerous applications

The phenomenon of “trapping” electrons within crystallized structures is quite new. To date, the phenomenon had only been observed in ammonia. However, the possibility of transforming solid insulators into semiconductor at room temperature should bring several possibilities for industrial use.

The new alchemical miracle can be particularly useful in the development of LCD displays - in addition to other industrial applications. Image source: Reproduction / Wikimedia Commons

In addition to the possibility of using the material in the manufacture of LCD screens, scientists believe that if a special cement could actually be produced on a large scale, it would be easy to create a protective (semiconductive) cover suitable for numerous purposes. Moreover, the alchemical "miracle" itself can lead to the transformation of other insulating materials into semiconductors.