The Atomic-Level Reason Why Gold Does Not Rust Is Revealed

A Tulane University team found that gold’s surface reconstruction strongly suppresses oxygen molecule dissociation, explaining why gold resists oxidation.

The study reveals the atomic-level mechanism behind gold’s inertness and corrosion resistance.

By clarifying how gold avoids oxidation, the findings could guide the design of gold-based catalysts that better activate oxygen.

Researchers led by Santanu Biswas and Matthew M. Montemore used simulations to pinpoint the role of surface atom arrangement in gold’s stability.