Unique structure of chiral gold nanowires discovered by KAUST researchers

Summary

KAUST researchers, in collaboration with Nanyang Technological University, have discovered a unique chiral structure in gold nanowires. The nanowires exhibit a Boerdijk-Coxeter-Bernal (BCB) helix structure, achieved through a seed-mediated substrate growth method, reaching a minimum diameter of 3 nanometers. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) at KAUST was crucial in revealing the structure. Why it matters: This breakthrough in chiral metallic nanowire production could lead to advancements in chemical separation, sensing, and catalysis due to the unique properties of chiral crystals.