Why Gold Does Not Rust and Its Use in Carbon Monoxide Catalysts

Researchers from Tulane University discovered that gold's resistance to rust is caused by a tightly packed hexagonal atomic structure on its surface. This arrangement prevents oxygen molecules from splitting and reacting with the metal, making gold one of the most stable elements known to science. This discovery has practical implications for decarbonization. By manipulating gold into nanoparticles or square-like atomic patterns, scientists can create efficient catalysts to convert carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide, providing a more stable alternative to reactive metals that corrode over time.