Commercial aspects of gold applications: From materials science to chemical science

Abstract

A major aim of the GOLD 2003 conference is to promote new gold related science and technology with a view to developing new useful industrial applications for gold. Current industrial uses have provided a steady annual demand for gold of around 350-400 tonnes in recent years, the bulk of which is centred on electronics applications, with dental uses constituting the second largest application. However, there is good reason to believe that whilst gold will continue to play a major role in these sectors in the future, substantial growth of demand is not anticipated. Increased industrial demand for gold is only likely to come through the emergence of new applications, probably most significantly in five broad market sectors: * Pollution and emission control technologies, including fuel cells. * New uses for gold in advanced electronics, electrical systems and devices. * Chemical processing of a range of bulk and speciality chemicals, using gold based catalysts. * Advanced coatings exploiting the novel properties of gold, particularly in nanoparticulate form. * New biomedical uses for gold including medical treatments, drugs, implants, sensors and devices. There is cause for optimism that many new applications for gold could emerge in these sectors over the next decade and that this will lead to a substantial growth in demand for gold. It is clear that many of these new opportunities will be based on a chemical approach to synthesis of useful products rather than what has historically been a materials or mechanical approach. To turn this expectation into reality requires sustained support of R & D and a determination to exploit this new science and technology into viable commercial applications.