黄金形成过程首次实现纳米尺度“直播”

Core Insights - A research team led by Zhu Jianxi and Xian Haiyang from the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry has utilized in-situ liquid-phase transmission electron microscopy to observe the dynamic process of gold nanoparticle formation on the surface of pyrite in a liquid environment, proposing a new mechanism for gold precipitation induced by pyrite [1][2] Group 1: Research Findings - The study reveals that a special "dense liquid layer" forms at the pyrite-water interface, acting like a "nano-factory" that catalyzes the nucleation, growth, and enrichment of gold in extremely low concentration gold-bearing fluids [1] - The research challenges the traditional view that gold primarily originates from deep hydrothermal fluids, providing new insights into the micro-dynamics of gold enrichment in both hydrothermal gold deposits and surface gold accumulation processes [2] Group 2: Methodology and Observations - The team employed multi-scale and multi-technique approaches, including in-situ liquid-phase transmission electron microscopy, to observe the reaction process between pyrite and a gold solution with a concentration of 10 ppb [1] - Observations indicated that after approximately 13 minutes of contact, a "dense liquid layer" formed around the pyrite, with gold nanoparticles beginning to appear after about 20 minutes, gradually increasing in number and size over time [1][2] Group 3: Implications - This research not only enhances the understanding of the formation process of gold on pyrite surfaces but also has significant implications for interface regulation in green gold extraction processes [2]