Chinese scientists have pushed the boundaries of materials science by creating atom‐thin metals—layers so thin they measure just one 200,000th the diameter of a human hair! This breakthrough, achieved by a research team at the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Physics, marks an exciting leap in the world of two-dimensional (2D) metal research. 🚀
Since the discovery of monolayer graphene in 2004, 2D materials have transformed our understanding of science by fueling major advances in condensed matter physics and material studies. Yet, crafting 2D metals has long been a formidable challenge due to the strong metallic bonds binding atoms across all directions.
The research team overcame this hurdle with an innovative atomic-scale technique known as the van der Waals squeezing method. Using this method, they successfully produced various 2D metals, including bismuth, tin, lead, indium, and gallium. According to leading scientist Zhang Guangyu, "The thickness of these 2D metals is just one millionth of a piece of A4 paper and one 200,000th of the diameter of a human hair. If a 3-meter-long metal cube were pressed into a single-atom layer, it would cover the entire ground surface of Beijing."
International reviewers have hailed this work as a major advance in the study of 2D materials. Researcher Du Luojun added that this achievement fills a significant gap in the family of 2D materials and is set to boost both theoretical and experimental progress.
Much like the transformative impact of 3D metals ushering in the Copper, Bronze, and Iron Ages, experts believe that 2D metals could spark revolutionary changes in the tech world. From ultra-micro low-power transistors and high-frequency devices to transparent displays and ultra-sensitive detectors, the potential applications are as expansive as they are exciting. For tech enthusiasts and young innovators, this breakthrough offers a glimpse into a future where materials are engineered on an atomic level to power the next generation of technology. 😎
Reference(s):
Pioneering Chinese scientists shaping future of 2D metal research
cgtn.com
