Scientists have identified a key reason gold resists tarnishing, potentially opening new uses for the metal in chemistry. Simulations show how atomic arrangements on gold surfaces prevent reactions with oxygen. The findings come from detailed quantum modeling at Tulane University.
Gold remains chemically inert because its surface atoms often rearrange into stable hexagonal patterns after being cut. These patterns require high energy for oxygen molecules to split and react, unlike rectangular arrangements that would allow easier oxidation. Researchers Matthew Montemore and Santu Biswas led the work using supercomputer simulations to test various atomic configurations.