Unexpected Magnetism in Gold Nanomaterials Explained

LONDON, March 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The recently discovered magnetic properties of gold nanoparticles are the subject of the lead article in the new issue of the journal, Gold Bulletin. The paper, "Unexpected magnetism in gold nanostructures: Making gold even more attractive," by Professor Simon Trudel, University of Calgary, explains the cause of the unexpected magnetism in gold and explores how these properties could lead to potential applications in catalysis, medicine and data storage.

Professor Trudel observed:

"The possibility of chemically turning on magnetism in gold nanostructures is a unique feature. One can envisage how gold based sensors could be designed whereby detection of a substance could lead to the onset of magnetism. Such sensors might be used in medical testing for example."

Published for over 40 years, Gold Bulletin is the international journal covering the latest science, technology and applications of gold. The new issue features papers on gold nanotechnology, catalysis, chemistry and materials science.

Dr Richard Holliday, Director, Technology at the World Gold Council and editor of Gold Bulletin, commented:

"Whilst gold has a long and fascinating history in technology, new research continues to open up exciting and innovative applications for the metal. This new paper describing gold's unexpected magnetism demonstrates Gold Bulletin's continued role in highlighting cutting-edge developments."

Each issue of Gold Bulletin includes a broad spread of high quality research papers and timely reviews of a particular aspect of gold. There is also a regular 'Highlights' section, providing insights on key gold-related publications from other leading research journals, as well as important gold-related patents that have been recently published.

As part of a recent agreement, Gold Bulletin will now be published by Springer, a leading global scientific publisher of books and journals, while the World Gold Council will sponsor and edit it. This will result in the journal benefiting from Springer's wider distribution channels, as unlike many subscription-based journals, continued free access to the publication will ensure the widest possible readership.

    To view the journal please visit:
http://www.springer.com/materials/special+types/journal/13404
    To download the article please visit:
http://www.springerlink.com/content/v4qn44x550125588/

Gold : The hidden element in innovation

The World Gold Council recently announced its 'lab to market' initiative, aimed at bridging the gap between government-funded early-stage research and venture capital-backed commercialisation, through investment in gold-related technology in the fields of medical diagnosis and treatment, the environment and renewable energy.

This report and accompanying video can be viewed at http://www.gold.org/media/.

The World Gold Council is interested in working with researchers and companies developing gold-based innovations and encourages relevant parties to contact [email protected] or visit our website at http://www.gold.org/technology for more information.

Note to editors:

World Gold Council

The World Gold Council is the market development organisation for the gold industry. Working within the investment, jewellery and technology sectors, as well as engaging in government affairs, our purpose is to provide industry leadership, whilst stimulating and sustaining demand for gold.

We develop gold-backed solutions, services and markets, based on true market insight. As a result, we create structural shifts in demand for gold across key market sectors.

We provide insights into the international gold markets, helping people to better understand the wealth preservation qualities of gold and its role in meeting the social and environmental needs of society.

Based in the UK, with operations in India, the Far East, Turkey, Europe and the USA, the World Gold Council is an association whose members include the world's leading and most forward thinking gold mining companies. For further information visit http://www.gold.org

    For further information please contact:

    Stephanie Mackrell                 Mary Clark, Nathan Williams, Justine
                                       Lamond
    World Gold Council
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    T  +44-207-826-4763                T    +44-207-307-5336
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SOURCE World Gold Council