Graphene-Inspired\nWafer-Scale Ultrathin Gold Films

As the trajectory toward the graphene era continues,\nthere is a\ncompelling need to harness 2D technology further for the transformation\nof three-dimensional (3D) materials production and applications. Here,\nwe resolve this challenge for one of the most widely utilized 3D materials\nin modern electronicsgoldusing graphene-inspired fabrication\ntechnology that allows us to develop a multistep production method\nof ultrathin gold films. Such films demonstrate continuous morphology,\nlow sheet resistance (10 Ω/sq), and high transparency (80%),\noffering opportunities in a variety of technological and scientific\nsectors. To this end, we demonstrate smart contact lenses and thermal\ncamouflage based on ultrathin gold. Technologically, the record-breaking\ncharacteristics of ultrathin gold films open new horizons for flexible\nand transparent electrodes for photonics and optoelectronics. Most\nimportantly, the demonstration of transferable wafer-scale ultrathin\ngold changes the paradigm of the field of 2D crystals and dramatically\nexpands the range of available quasi-2D materials.