Simulations predict existence of liquids with a ‘2d’ structure’

According to scientists, liquids can exist only an atomic layer thick. This is apparent from computer simulations with graphene and gold. Initially it was thought that such a thing could only be achieved with solid matter.

The research was carried out by researchers from the Finnish University of Jyväskylä, Nano Werk reports. They performed a number of computer simulations to see whether it is possible to make a 2D material that is in a liquid state. Materials with a 2d shape consist of a single atomic layer and are therefore usually not very stable. Graphene is the best-known example of a material that can exist in such a form.

To see whether in theory liquids can also have a 2D structure, the Finnish scientists did experiments with a graphene membrane with gold atoms. In this structure, the gold particles could move with a freedom characteristic of liquids. The researchers compare the structure with blowing bubbles: graphene serves as the ring through which bubbles are blown. The computer experiments showed that such a 2d structure with graphene and gold is not very stable. It is possible that this can be improved with optimisations. In addition, the finds will also have to be validated experimentally to see whether the structure found with the computer can actually exist.

If it is actually possible to realize 2D structures in a liquid state, then it is possible that more applications will be made for such systems. Graphene has many potential applications, including as a semiconductor in chips.