Scientists Solve 20 Year Puzzle Creating Gold Nitride

Scientists at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne have solved a 20 year puzzle, successfully creating gold nitride. This discovery could save the electronics industry millions of dollars every year.

Electronic devices use gold extensively as a conductor due to its chemical stability. However, due to its expensive nature, it is often alloyed with cheaper materials such as nickel, iron and cobalt salt to improve its hardness.

The successful production of gold nitride may be advantageous as it is harder then the other alloys. Its improved durability could also mean that thinner gold plating could be used, reducing manufacturing costs.

Gold nitride was produced by cleaning the gold with argon under high vacuum conditions and then irradiating it with nitrogen ions using a sputtering gun. The composition was confirmed using x-ray techniques.

The university has taken out a patent on the technology.

For more information on gold, click here.

Tell Us What You Think

Do you have a review, update or anything you would like to add to this news story?

Leave your feedback
Your comment type
Submit

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.