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Wednesday, 11th February 2009 (1441 views)

Scientists in Madrid have been using gold in research that could lead to the development of new materials.

According to Nanowerk, the Madrid Institute of Advanced Studies in Materials has been working on the development of a new method that can generate and stabilise crystalline phases of metals at room temperature and atmospheric pressure.

Previously the results were only able to be achieved at high pressure but the new method - which is based on the use of compression and shear strains - allows scientists to potentially use new crystalline phases of the precious metal to help form previously-unseen materials.

However, the practical applications of the substances are currently limited and the research is only the first step in the process of generating uses for the metal.

In related news, US scientists have used gold nanospheres to develop a new treatment method for tumor treatment, according to the Santa Cruz Sentinel.

 

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