Scientists Create Ultra-Thin Metal Sheets Just Two Atoms Thick
Breakthrough Technique Produces Revolutionary 2D Metals
Researchers have developed a remarkable new method to create metal sheets just two atoms thick—a technological leap that could transform industries from computing to clean energy. By crushing molten metals between sapphire “vices,” scientists can now produce ultra-thin sheets of bismuth, gallium, indium, tin, and lead with unprecedented precision.
How It Works: The Sapphire Squeeze Technique
- Molten Preparation: Metal powder is heated to 400°C until liquid
- Extreme Compression: Sapphire crystals pressurize droplets at 200 megapascals
- Atomic Alignment: Metals flatten to just 2-4 atoms thick
- Stabilization: Molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) layers prevent disintegration
“This process seems simple, but it took eight years to perfect,” says lead researcher Luojun Du from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. “Free-standing single-atom metal layers are thermodynamically unstable—we had to reinvent the approach.”
Why 2D Metals Matter
These ultra-thin materials exhibit extraordinary properties:
- Quantum phenomena at macroscopic scales
- Potential superconductivity
- High-efficiency catalysts for chemical reactions
- Transparent conductive layers for next-gen displays
Current Limitations
While promising, challenges remain:
- MoS₂ encapsulation can’t yet be removed
- Scaling production for industrial use
- Testing real-world applications
From Goldene to Multi-Metal 2D Sheets
The achievement builds on last year’s creation of goldene (single-atom gold sheets) but expands the technique to five additional metals. Each material offers unique advantages:
| Metal | Potential Uses |
|---|---|
| Bismuth | Quantum computing components |
| Gallium | Flexible electronics |
| Indium | Touchscreen coatings |
| Tin | Superconducting circuits |
| Lead | Radiation shielding |
The Road Ahead
Researchers are now exploring:
- Electrical conductivity in encapsulated form
- Precision thickness control (3-4 atom layers)
- Industrial-scale production methods
“These 2D metals could enable technologies we haven’t even imagined yet,” says Du. The team’s findings mark a significant step toward atomically precise manufacturing—potentially revolutionizing material science in the coming decades.
Source: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Image: Schematic of sapphire compression technique
For more breakthroughs in nanomaterials, subscribe to our science newsletter.