Graphene-Inspired Wafer-Scale Ultrathin Gold Films
Mikhail Mironov, Dmitry I. Yakubovsky, Georgy A. Ermolaev, Igor A. Khramtsov, Roman V. Kirtaev, Aleksandr S. Slavich, Gleb Tselikov, Andrey A. Vyshnevyy, Aleksey V. Arsenin, Valentyn S. Volkov, Kostya S. Novoselov
Abstract
As the trajectory toward 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 materials in modern electronics─gold─using graphene-inspired fabrication technology that allows us to develop a multistep production method of ultrathin gold films. Such films demonstrate continuous morphology, low sheet resistance (10 Ω/sq), and high transparency (80%), offering opportunities in a variety of technological and scientific sectors. To this end, we demonstrate smart contact lenses and thermal camouflage based on ultrathin gold. Technologically, the record-breaking characteristics of ultrathin gold films open new horizons for flexible and transparent electrodes for photonics and optoelectronics. Most importantly, the demonstration of transferable wafer-scale ultrathin gold changes the paradigm of the field of 2D crystals and dramatically expands the range of available quasi-2D materials.