Two-dimensional metal gels: from fundamentals to applications

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Following the recent successful fabrication of two-dimensional, nanometer-thick and square centimeter-wide gold networks, we intend to work on both ends of this new research field: the deeper understanding of the formation mechanism and on selected applications. The understanding-driven first field is governed by questions about the factors influencing the interfacial gelation of colloidal metal particles and the possibility of extending the synthesis route to multimetallic structures. The answers from both subfields will help to learn to assess the limitations of the new fabrication route and open up possible processing options such as upscaling and printability. In the application-driven second field, we will initially limit ourselves to the potential use of the networks in electrocatalysis and biomedicine. For the first subfield, we will try to use the knowledge gained on three-dimensional gels (for example, the use of PtNi gels as highly active and robust cathodes in fuel cells) to achieve reduced material usage while maintaining activity and stability through layer-by-layer stacking of 2D gels. The second application will be in the fabrication of flexible electrodes for neuroscience. For investigations on the brain, which consists of very soft matter, biocompatible, mechanically soft electrodes are needed to avoid damaging the tissue under investigation by the application. Our studies on mechanical properties of three-dimensional metal gels suggest that these conditions are fulfilled for two-dimensional gels as well as the biocompatibility by the choice of (noble) metals from which the networks are formed.