XPANCEO, a deep tech company developing the next generation of computing through its first smart contact lenses, in collaboration with Nobel laureate Konstantin S. Novoselov (University of Manchester, National University of Singapore), has developed an innovative method for producing biocompatible, transparent, ultrathin gold films with no area restriction. With superior electrical conductivity, these films pave the way for next-generation versatile and transparent electrodes, with promising applications in flexible displays, electronic paper, extended reality devices, electronic tattoo, implantable and wearable electronics.
Image Credit: XPANCEO
Historically, producing transparent continuous and conductive gold films thinner than 10 nm was considered impossible due to metal island formation during deposition. Traditional chemical synthesis methods, such as those behind Goldene, also failed to produce large, continuous gold films, limiting their areas to 0.000001 mm2. In contrast, XPANCEO’s graphene-inspired approach, developed alongside Prof. Novoselov, overcomes these challenges by enabling films as thin as 3.5 nm using a high-vacuum deposition system — a standard resource in research laboratories.
“Two-dimensional materials are no longer confined to theoretical research, they are now becoming part of real-world technology. This method allows the scalable production of gold films exceeding 1 m2, leveraging roll-to-roll transfer techniques similar to those used in graphene manufacturing, which have been refined over the past 15 years. Compatible with current microelectronics processes, it allows for efficient, cost-effective production. Now, two-dimensional gold technology will be accessible in any research laboratory, unlocking new possibilities in electronics,” says Professor Sir Konstantin Novoselov, Nobel Laureate for the discovery of graphene’s unique properties.
Another advantage is that the films can be transferred to virtually any substrate, from biological tissues to microchips. The transfer process, similar to applying a sticker, is efficient and adaptable, enabling placement on sensitive surfaces with high precision. Their atomic-scale thickness, biocompatibility and chemical stability surpass traditional transparent conductors like indium tin oxide, making them suitable for brain and heart implants, neural interfaces, and wearable medical sensors, significantly reducing the risks of scarring and adverse reactions. As a result, they are ideal for use in advanced medical technologies, including neural implants like Neuralink’s brain chips.
“This breakthrough has potential applications in flexible optoelectronics, including foldable displays, e-paper, and wearable tech, transforming consumer devices like smartphones, tablets, and TVs, while also paving the way for entirely new categories of technology, such as smart contact lenses. In our lab, we’re already working with transparent gold films just 0.5 nm thick—equivalent to a few atomic layers—which holds promise for both cutting-edge technologies and fundamental physics research, ” says Dr. Valentyn Volkov, co-founder and CTO of XPANCEO, an internationally renowned expert in the field of nanophotonics and advanced materials.
The exceptional electrical conductivity and transparency of these films are key to advancing smart contact lens technology with XR vision, health monitoring and content-surfing features. The incorporation of these ultrathin films is essential, as they allow the necessary electronic components to be embedded seamlessly into the lens structure, maintaining the thinness of current medical lenses while enhancing both functionality and comfort.