Scientists discover why gold remains unrusted for thousands of years and reveal atomic reorganization that reduces reaction with oxygen by up to 1 trillion times

Written by Fabio Lucas Carvalho

Published on 26/05/2026 at 22:26

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Study from Tulane University indicates that gold’s resistance to oxidation involves a reorganization of atoms on the metal’s surface, capable of drastically reducing the action of oxygen and opening new possibilities for catalysts used in industry, pollution control, and clean energy chemistry

Study from Tulane University indicates that gold’s resistance to oxidation involves a reorganization of atoms on the metal’s surface, drastically reducing the reaction with oxygen and paving the way for new uses in industrial catalysts.

Gold can maintain its shine for thousands of years because its surface atoms reorganize into patterns that hinder the action of oxygen, indicates a study from Tulane University published in the journal Physical Review Letters.

Gold resists oxygen by surface shape

The traditional explanation for gold’s resistance to rust has always been its status as a noble metal. This means it does not easily react with oxygen, water, or environmental substances.

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Atomic reconstruction changes gold’s reaction

When a new gold surface emerges, after cutting, scratching, or forming a crystalline face, its outer atoms may not remain in the original position. They seek another arrangement, called reconstruction.

In the simulations, unreconstructed surfaces presented loose and square patterns. This design provided space for oxygen to separate into individual atoms, a necessary step to initiate oxidation in metals.

Reconstructed surfaces, on the other hand, grouped atoms into rigid hexagonal patterns. In this geometry, oxygen molecules had more difficulty breaking apart and reacting with the metallic surface.

The difference surprised the researchers. In the reconstructed gold, the dissociation of oxygen fell by a factor of one billion to one trillion compared to non-reconstructed surfaces, according to Montemore in Scientific News.

The result helps explain why bulk gold, present in rings, coins, wires, and historical pieces, retains its appearance over periods. The surface settles into a low-energy configuration and makes oxidation difficult.

Discovery may expand industrial use of gold

The protection does not mean absolute invulnerability. Gold oxide is unstable and, even on a more reactive surface, the tendency would be the formation of a thin layer. Even so, geometry becomes central.

The study dialogues with discoveries since the 1980s, when gold nanoparticles began to attract attention as catalysts in reactions where bulk gold had low performance.

Small particles can expose square, non-reconstructed regions, or prevent the metal from settling into a compact pattern. These less ordered areas would give oxygen space to split and participate in reactions.

The activation of oxygen is relevant for transforming carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide, producing industrial chemicals, and driving oxidations. Gold-palladium catalysts help in the production of vinyl acetate.

The work suggests controlling the shape of the gold surface. Square or rectangular patterns can make the metal more active, without abandoning the resistance that made it valuable.

Scientists discover why gold remains unrusted for thousands of years and reveal atomic reorganization that reduces reaction with oxygen by up to 1 trillion times

Study from Tulane University indicates that gold’s resistance to oxidation involves a reorganization of atoms on the metal’s surface, capable of drastically reducing the action of oxygen and opening new possibilities for catalysts used in industry, pollution control, and clean energy chemistry

Gold resists oxygen by surface shape

Atomic reconstruction changes gold’s reaction

Discovery may expand industrial use of gold

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Scientists discover why gold remains unrusted for thousands of years and reveal atomic reorganization that reduces reaction with oxygen by up to 1 trillion times

Study from Tulane University indicates that gold’s resistance to oxidation involves a reorganization of atoms on the metal’s surface, capable of drastically reducing the action of oxygen and opening new possibilities for catalysts used in industry, pollution control, and clean energy chemistry

Gold resists oxygen by surface shape

Atomic reconstruction changes gold’s reaction

Discovery may expand industrial use of gold

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A British company has installed in the middle of the ocean the world’s first floating platform that generates electricity 24 hours a day from the temperature difference between the surface and the depths of the Atlantic, without relying on wind or sun.

A robot named Walter does the work of five bricklayers per hour and can save the construction industry, where the average age of professionals is 46 years and almost no one wants to learn the trade anymore, in the United Kingdom.

Spain installs two giant pipelines 2.2 km off the coast to draw water from the Mediterranean and supply a megafacility capable of producing 200 million liters of drinking water per day.

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