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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
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Large Area Substrate-Based Nanofabrication of Controllable and Customizable Gold Nanoparticles Via Capped Dewetting
Published on: February 26, 2019
Solid-state dewetting templates the formation of an atomically dispersed gold phase
Ravalika Sajja1,2, Marcos V S Martins1,2, Rongsheng Cai3
1Department of Physics & Astronomy, The University of Manchester Oxford Road Manchester M13 9PL UK radha.boya@manchester.ac.uk.
Nanoscale Advances
|July 23, 2026
Summary
Researchers discovered a new way to create stable gold single atoms using solid-state dewetting. This method reveals unique insights into gold crystal interfaces and stabilizes dispersed gold atoms at high densities.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Surface Science
Background:
- Solid-state dewetting is a key process in nanomaterial fabrication.
- Controlling the dispersion of metal atoms is crucial for catalysis and electronics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the formation of stable gold single atoms.
- To explore the solid-solid interface during gold nanoplate dewetting.
- To understand the stabilization mechanisms of atomically dispersed gold.
Main Methods:
- Atomically resolved imaging techniques.
- Combined spectroscopy.
- Solid-state dewetting of gold nanoplates.
Main Results:
- Formation of a stable phase of gold single atoms.
- Observation of a unique solid-solid interface during dewetting.
- Stabilization of dense, atomically dispersed gold phases (∼20 atoms/100 nm²).
Conclusions:
- Solid-state dewetting provides a novel route to stabilize gold single atoms.
- The solid-solid interface plays a critical role in stabilizing dispersed atoms.
- This work opens new avenues for designing advanced nanomaterials.
