noble metal

The next step for the LiU researchers is to investigate whether it is possible to do the same with other noble metals and identify additional future applications.

"This is an unusual observation for a molecular system based on manganese in its oxidation state +IV. Even with noble metals emission in this energy region is essentially unprecedented," said Professor Katja Heinze.

Mixing the magnetic metal nickel with the noble metal gold radically changes the electronic properties.

The deposits left behind are akin to the eight noble metals but even nobler: extraordinarily conductive and resistant to corrosion, with a seemingly limitless range of uses.

A cousin of platinum and traditionally much less expensive, palladium is part of a family of metals known as the “noble metals” because they resist corrosion and oxidation.