Graphene-Inspired Wafer-Scale Ultrathin Gold Films

As the trajectory toward the graphene era continues, there is a compelling need to harness 2D technology further for the transformation of three-dimensional (3D) materials production and applications. Here, we resolve this challenge for one of the most widely utilized 3D materials in modern electronics─gold─using graphene-inspired fabrication technology that allows us to develop a multistep production method of ultrathin gold films. Such films demonstrate continuous morphology, low sheet resistance (10 Ω/sq), and high transparency (80%), offering opportunities in a variety of technological and scientific sectors. To this end, we demonstrate smart contact lenses and thermal camouflage based on ultrathin gold. Technologically, the record-breaking characteristics of ultrathin gold films open new horizons for flexible and transparent electrodes for photonics and optoelectronics. Most importantly, the demonstration of transferable wafer-scale ultrathin gold changes the paradigm of the field of 2D crystals and dramatically expands the range of available quasi-2D materials.