As one of the most sought-after materials on the planet, this metal has a series of excellent characteristics and is widely used in various industries. However, as a precious metal, the raw material cost is also quite high. So is there a way to make materials with more reserves (such as copper) have similar characteristics? The good news is that although Chinese scientists have not yet reached this milestone, they have already achieved this goal to some extent.
Research map-1: Chemical properties of Cu / SiO2 crystal after special treatment
In a new article published in the journal Science Advanced:
The Chinese research team analyzed how they used a stream of charged argon to fight the copper atoms, so that the tiny particles formed by the latter after cooling could show very similar characteristics to gold under extreme stress.
Figure 2: Electronic structure of copper
The researchers conducted some process tests on the characteristics of the newly formed copper nanoparticles:
This process is usually used to maintain more valuable metals (such as pure gold), but a new type of copper smelting process that has changed chemical properties has been shown to allow pure copper to act as a gold-silver-like catalyst.
Study with Figure-3: Oxidation resistance of sputtered copper, and metal-like properties.
It marks a major breakthrough in the research of "gold analogs" or changes the way precious metals are used in the industrial field.
In a statement, Sun Jian said in a statement that the catalytic performance of copper nanoparticles is very close to that of gold / silver. The experimental results show that the metal copper (formerly 'pheasant') treated by a special process can 'fly on branches to become a phoenix'.
Study with Figure-4: Cu / SiO2 catalytic performance under various evaluation conditions
Most of the gold people come into contact with is usually in the window of a gold jewelry store. But thanks to its unique nature, it is also very popular in the industrial field.
Unfortunately, the potential scarcity has led to high gold costs. If scientists can easily produce substitutes similar to gold, it is expected to save a lot of costs.
Research map-5: DFT calculation and reaction path diagram
The design that needs to be pointed out, the copper treatment process introduced in this article, does not make pure copper have the same color as gold.
However, the researchers have given copper particles a gold-like characteristic under certain conditions. This progress still excites us. As for the future development, please wait and see.
Research map-6: Molecular-level surface characteristics under four paths
Intelligent WIFI Ceiling Fan,ac dc ceiling fan,ceiling fan 220v,3 blade ceiling fan
JIANGMEN ESCLIGHTING TECHNOLOGY LIMITED , https://www.jmesclightingfan.com