New Gold Property Discovered by Scientists

Gold is a noble and precious metal. However, it has always been considered chemically uninteresting due to its limited ability to react with other substances. But now scientists have discovered a new property that can change the concept of this element to chemical and biological processes.

According to LA Info, researchers at the Cardiff University School of Chemistry in Wales found that when divided into nanoparticles containing only a few hundred atoms, gold becomes very reactive.

"Gold has been a subject of human fascination for millennia, largely due to its corrosion resistance and lasting beauty. However, when divided in this way, it not only changes color but becomes highly reactive." said Professor Graham Hutchings, director of the Cardiff Catalysis Institute (ICC).

Hutchings pointed out that his research indicates that in this reduced form gold reactions are faster, easier and more energy efficient than many other catalysts. Remember that catalysis is a technology that is applied in about 80 to 90% of all products manufactured worldwide.

This phenomenon implies a material that is not one of the reagents that accelerate the desired reaction without the need for temperature rise. Commonly used catalysts, such as those containing mercury, have been found to be harmful to the environment and human health.

One of the initial discoveries made in Wales is that gold is the best catalyst for the formation of vinyl chloride, the main ingredient for PVC production, and has great potential to replace mercury, which would be a great benefit. to nature as a whole and, consequently, to humans.