Graphene-inspired quasi-two-dimensional gold films

Abstract

Reproducible and scalable fabrication of two-dimensional (2D) materials within standard laboratory and industrial facilities has brought remarkable advancements and perspectives in both scientific and industrial domains. As the trajectory towards the graphene era continues, there is a compelling need to harness 2D technology further for the transformation of three-dimensional (3D) materials production and applications. Here, we resolve this challenge for one of the most widely utilized 3D material in modern electronics – gold – using graphene-inspired fabrication technology that allows us to develop a multistep production method of quasi-2D gold films. Such films demonstrate exceptional properties – continuous morphology, low sheet resistance (10 Ω/sq), and high transparency (80%), offering unprecedented opportunities in a variety of technological and scientific sectors. To this end, we demonstrate smart contact lenses and thermal camouflage based on 2D gold. Technologically, the record-breaking characteristics of ultrathin gold films open new horizons for the next-generation flexible and transparent electrodes for photonics and optoelectronics. Most importantly, the demonstration of 2D gold changes the very paradigm of the field of 2D crystals and dramatically expands the range of available 2D materials.