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Handschuh-Wang S, Wang T, Gancarz T, Liu X, Wang B, He B, Dickey MD, Wimmer GW, Stadler FJ. The Liquid Metal Age: A Transition From Hg to Ga. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2408466. [PMID: 39295483 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202408466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 08/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/21/2024]
Abstract
This review offers an illuminating journey through the historical evolution and modern-day applications of liquid metals, presenting a comprehensive view of their significance in diverse fields. Tracing the trajectory from mercury applications to contemporary innovations, the paper explores their pivotal role in industry and research. The analysis spans electrical switches, mechanical applications, electrodes, chemical synthesis, energy storage, thermal transport, electronics, and biomedicine. Each section examines the intricacies of liquid metal integration, elucidating their contributions to technological advancements and societal progress. Moreover, the review critically appraises the challenges and prospects inherent in liquid metal applications, addressing issues of recycling, corrosion management, device stability, economic feasibility, translational hurdles, and market dynamics. By delving into these complexities, the paper advances scholarly understanding and offers actionable insights for researchers, engineers, and policymakers. It aims to catalyze innovation, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and promote liquid metal-enabled solutions for societal needs. Through its comprehensive analysis and forward-looking perspective, this review serves as a guide for navigating the landscape of liquid metal applications, bridging historical legacies with contemporary challenges, and highlighting the transformative potential of liquid metals in shaping future technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Handschuh-Wang
- College of New Materials and New Energies, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, 518118, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Advanced Materials Group Co., LTD, Fusionopolis Link #06-07, Nexus One-North, Singapore, 138543, Singapore
| | - Tomasz Gancarz
- Institute of Metallurgy and Materials Science, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Reymonta 25, Krakow, 30-059, Poland
| | - Xiaorui Liu
- College of New Materials and New Energies, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, 518118, China
| | - Ben Wang
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Bin He
- College of New Materials and New Energies, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, 518118, China
| | - Michael D Dickey
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Georg W Wimmer
- College of New Materials and New Energies, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, 518118, China
| | - Florian J Stadler
- Interdisciplinary Research Center for Refining & Advanced Chemicals, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Chemical Engineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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2
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Sun W, Nan J, Che Y, Shan H, Sun Y, Xu W, Zhu S, Zhang J, Yang B. Liquid-metal-based microfluidic nanoplasmonic platform for point-of-care naked-eye antibody detection. Biosens Bioelectron 2024; 261:116469. [PMID: 38850738 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2024.116469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Despite high sensitivity of nanoparticle-on-mirror cavities, a crucial branch of plasmonic nanomaterials, complex preparation and readout processes limit their extensive application in biosensing. Alternatively, liquid metals (LMs) combining fluidity and excellent plasmonic characteristics have become potential candidates for constructing plasmonic nanostructures. Herein, we propose a microfluidic-integration strategy to construct LM-based immunoassay platform, enabling LM-based nanoplasmonic sensors to be used for point-of-care (POC) clinical biomarker detection. Flowable LM is introduced onto protein-coated Au nanoparticle monolayer to form a "mirror-on-nanoparticle" nanostructure, simplifying the fabrication process in the conventional nanoparticle-on-mirror cavities. When antibodies were captured by antigens coated on the Au nanoparticle monolayer, devices respond both thickness and refractive index change of biomolecular layers, outputting naked-eye readable signals with high sensitivity (limit of detection: ∼ 604 fM) and a broad dynamic range (6 orders). This new assay, which generates quantitative results in 30 min, allows for high-throughput, smartphone-based detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies against multiple variants in clinical serum or blood samples. These results establish an advanced avenue for POC testing with LM materials, and demonstrate its potential to facilitate diagnostics, surveillance and prevalence studies for various infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Center for Supramolecular, Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, PR China; Joint Laboratory of Opto-Functional Theranostics in Medicine and Chemistry, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, PR China
| | - Jingjie Nan
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Center for Supramolecular, Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, PR China; Joint Laboratory of Opto-Functional Theranostics in Medicine and Chemistry, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, PR China
| | - Yuanyuan Che
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, PR China
| | - Hongli Shan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, PR China
| | - Yihan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Center for Supramolecular, Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, PR China; Joint Laboratory of Opto-Functional Theranostics in Medicine and Chemistry, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, PR China
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, PR China
| | - Shoujun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Center for Supramolecular, Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, PR China; Joint Laboratory of Opto-Functional Theranostics in Medicine and Chemistry, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, PR China
| | - Junhu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Center for Supramolecular, Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, PR China; Joint Laboratory of Opto-Functional Theranostics in Medicine and Chemistry, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, PR China.
| | - Bai Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Center for Supramolecular, Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, PR China; Joint Laboratory of Opto-Functional Theranostics in Medicine and Chemistry, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, PR China
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3
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Li Y, Veronica A, Ma J, Nyein HYY. Materials, Structure, and Interface of Stretchable Interconnects for Wearable Bioelectronics. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2408456. [PMID: 39139019 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202408456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Since wearable technologies for telemedicine have emerged to tackle global health concerns, the demand for well-attested wearable healthcare devices with high user comfort also arises. Skin-wearables for health monitoring require mechanical flexibility and stretchability for not only high compatibility with the skin's dynamic nature but also a robust collection of fine health signals from within. Stretchable electrical interconnects, which determine the device's overall integrity, are one of the fundamental units being understated in wearable bioelectronics. In this review, a broad class of materials and engineering methodologies recently researched and developed are presented, and their respective attributes, limitations, and opportunities in designing stretchable interconnects for wearable bioelectronics are offered. Specifically, the electrical and mechanical characteristics of various materials (metals, polymers, carbons, and their composites) are highlighted, along with their compatibility with diverse geometric configurations. Detailed insights into fabrication techniques that are compatible with soft substrates are also provided. Importantly, successful examples of establishing reliable interfacial connections between soft and rigid elements using novel interconnects are reviewed. Lastly, some perspectives and prospects of remaining research challenges and potential pathways for practical utilization of interconnects in wearables are laid out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Li
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR, 00000, China
| | - Asmita Veronica
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR, 00000, China
| | - Jiahao Ma
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR, 00000, China
| | - Hnin Yin Yin Nyein
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR, 00000, China
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4
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Kim JH, Kim S, Dickey MD, So JH, Koo HJ. Interface of gallium-based liquid metals: oxide skin, wetting, and applications. NANOSCALE HORIZONS 2024; 9:1099-1119. [PMID: 38716614 DOI: 10.1039/d4nh00067f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Gallium-based liquid metals (GaLMs) are promising for a variety of applications-especially as a component material for soft devices-due to their fluidic nature, low toxicity and reactivity, and high electrical and thermal conductivity comparable to solid counterparts. Understanding the interfacial properties and behaviors of GaLMs in different environments is crucial for most applications. When exposed to air or water, GaLMs form a gallium oxide layer with nanoscale thickness. This "oxide nano-skin" passivates the metal surface and allows for the formation of stable microstructures and films despite the high-surface tension of liquid metal. The oxide skin easily adheres to most smooth surfaces. While it enables effective printing and patterning of the GaLMs, it can also make the metals challenging to handle because it adheres to most surfaces. The oxide also affects the interfacial electrical resistance of the metals. Its formation, thickness, and composition can be chemically or electrochemically controlled, altering the physical, chemical, and electrical properties of the metal interface. Without the oxide, GaLMs wet metallic surfaces but do not wet non-metallic substrates such as polymers. The topography of the underlying surface further influences the wetting characteristics of the metals. This review outlines the interfacial attributes of GaLMs in air, water, and other environments and discusses relevant applications based on interfacial engineering. The effect of surface topography on the wetting behaviors of the GaLMs is also discussed. Finally, we suggest important research topics for a better understanding of the GaLMs interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Hye Kim
- Department of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Seoul National University of Science & Technology, 232 Gongneung-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 01811, Republic of Korea
| | - Sooyoung Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA.
| | - Michael D Dickey
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA.
| | - Ju-Hee So
- Material & Component Convergence R&D Department, Korea Institute of Industrial Technology, Ansan-si, 15588, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyung-Jun Koo
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Seoul National University of Science & Technology, 232 Gongneung-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 01811, Republic of Korea.
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5
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Tan S, Han X, Sun Y, Guo P, Sun X, Chai Z, Jiang L, Heng L. Light-Induced Dynamic Manipulation of Liquid Metal Droplets in the Ambient Atmosphere. ACS NANO 2024; 18:8484-8495. [PMID: 38445597 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c00690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Dynamic manipulation of liquid metal (LM) droplets, a material combining metallicity and fluidity, has recently revealed tremendous potential in developing unconstrained microrobots. LM manipulating techniques based on magnetic fields, electric fields, chemical reactions, and ion concentration gradients in liquid environments have advanced considerably, but dynamic manipulation in air remains a challenge. Herein, a photoresponsive pyroelectric superhydrophobic (PPS) platform is proposed for noncontact, flexible, and controllable manipulation in the ambient atmosphere. The PPS can generate additional free charges when illuminated by light, thus generating the driving force to manipulate liquid metal droplets. By using the synergistic effect of dielectrophoretic and electrostatic forces generated under light navigation, liquid metal droplets can achieve a series of complex motion behaviors, such as climbing slopes, going over steps, avoiding obstacles, crossing mazes, etc. We further extend the light control of liquid metal droplets to robots applied in electronic circuits, including circuit switching robots and circuit welding robots. This light strategy for manipulating liquid metal droplets provides insights into the development of intelligent, responsive interfaces and simultaneously provides possibilities for the application of liquid metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengda Tan
- School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xiao Han
- School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yue Sun
- School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Pu Guo
- School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xu Sun
- School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ziyuan Chai
- School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Lei Jiang
- School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Liping Heng
- School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
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6
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Qi J, Yang S, Jiang Y, Cheng J, Wang S, Rao Q, Jiang X. Liquid Metal-Polymer Conductor-Based Conformal Cyborg Devices. Chem Rev 2024; 124:2081-2137. [PMID: 38393351 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Gallium-based liquid metal (LM) exhibits exceptional properties such as high conductivity and biocompatibility, rendering it highly valuable for the development of conformal bioelectronics. When combined with polymers, liquid metal-polymer conductors (MPC) offer a versatile platform for fabricating conformal cyborg devices, enabling functions such as sensing, restoration, and augmentation within the human body. This review focuses on the synthesis, fabrication, and application of MPC-based cyborg devices. The synthesis of functional materials based on LM and the fabrication techniques for MPC-based devices are elucidated. The review provides a comprehensive overview of MPC-based cyborg devices, encompassing their applications in sensing diverse signals, therapeutic interventions, and augmentation. The objective of this review is to serve as a valuable resource that bridges the gap between the fabrication of MPC-based conformal devices and their potential biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Qi
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering. Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088, Xueyuan Rd, Xili, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P. R. China
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 511436, P. R. China
| | - Shuaijian Yang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering. Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088, Xueyuan Rd, Xili, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P. R. China
| | - Yizhou Jiang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering. Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088, Xueyuan Rd, Xili, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100037, P. R. China
| | - Jinhao Cheng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering. Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088, Xueyuan Rd, Xili, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P. R. China
| | - Saijie Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering. Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088, Xueyuan Rd, Xili, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P. R. China
| | - Qingyan Rao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering. Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088, Xueyuan Rd, Xili, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P. R. China
| | - Xingyu Jiang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering. Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088, Xueyuan Rd, Xili, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P. R. China
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7
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Ma J, Vaghani DP, Im S, Kong M, Shamsi M, Wei S, Vong MH, Dickey MD. Injection Molding of Liquid Metal by Harnessing Nonstick Molds. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:10931-10941. [PMID: 38377555 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c16692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
The fluid nature of liquid metals combined with their ability to form a solid native oxide skin enables them to be patterned in ways that would be challenging for solid metals. The present work shows a unique way of patterning liquid metals by injecting liquid metals into a mold. The mold contains a nonstick coating that enables the removal of the mold, thereby leaving just the liquid metal on the target substrate. This approach offers the simplicity and structural control of molding but without having the mold become part of the device. Thus, the metal can be encapsulated with very soft polymers that collapse if used as microchannels. The same mold can be used multiple times for high-volume patterning of liquid metal. The injection molding method is rapid and reliably produces structures with complex geometries on both flat and curved surfaces. We demonstrate the method by fabricating an elastomeric Joule heater and an electroadhesive soft gripper to show the potential of the method for soft and stretchable devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinwoo Ma
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Dhwanil P Vaghani
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Sooik Im
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Minsik Kong
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Mohammad Shamsi
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Shuzhen Wei
- Wilson College of Textiles, NC State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Man Hou Vong
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Michael D Dickey
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
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8
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Wang D, Ye J, Bai Y, Yang F, Zhang J, Rao W, Liu J. Liquid Metal Combinatorics toward Materials Discovery. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2303533. [PMID: 37417920 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202303533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Liquid metals and their derivatives provide several opportunities for fundamental and practical exploration worldwide. However, the increasing number of studies and shortage of desirable materials to fulfill different needs also pose serious challenges. Herein, to address this issue, a generalized theoretical frame that is termed as "Liquid Metal Combinatorics" (LMC) is systematically presented, and summarizes promising candidate technical routes toward new generation material discovery. The major categories of LMC are defined, and eight representative methods for manufacturing advanced materials are outlined. It is illustrated that abundant targeted materials can be efficiently designed and fabricated via LMC through deep physical combinations, chemical reactions, or both among the main bodies of liquid metals, surface chemicals, precipitated ions, and other materials. This represents a large class of powerful, reliable, and modular methods for innovating general materials. The achieved combinatorial materials not only maintained the typical characteristics of liquid metals but also displayed distinct tenability. Furthermore, the fabrication strategies, wide extensibility, and pivotal applications of LMC are classified. Finally, by interpreting the developmental trends in the area, a perspective on the LMC is provided, which warrants its promising future for society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawei Wang
- Liquid Metal and Cryogenic Biomedical Research Center, Beijing Key Lab of CryoBiomedical Engineering and Key Lab of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Jiao Ye
- Liquid Metal and Cryogenic Biomedical Research Center, Beijing Key Lab of CryoBiomedical Engineering and Key Lab of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yunlong Bai
- Liquid Metal and Cryogenic Biomedical Research Center, Beijing Key Lab of CryoBiomedical Engineering and Key Lab of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Liquid Metal and Cryogenic Biomedical Research Center, Beijing Key Lab of CryoBiomedical Engineering and Key Lab of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Liquid Metal and Cryogenic Biomedical Research Center, Beijing Key Lab of CryoBiomedical Engineering and Key Lab of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Wei Rao
- Liquid Metal and Cryogenic Biomedical Research Center, Beijing Key Lab of CryoBiomedical Engineering and Key Lab of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Liquid Metal and Cryogenic Biomedical Research Center, Beijing Key Lab of CryoBiomedical Engineering and Key Lab of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
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9
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Sisombat F, Devaux T, Haumesser L, Callé S. Contactless deformation of fluid interfaces by acoustic radiation pressure. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14703. [PMID: 37679368 PMCID: PMC10485005 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39464-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Reversible and programmable shaping of surfaces promises wide-ranging applications in tunable optics and acoustic metasurfaces. Based on acoustic radiation pressure, contactless and real-time deformation of fluid interface can be achieved. This paper presents an experimental and numerical study to characterize the spatiotemporal properties of the deformation induced by acoustic radiation pressure. Using localized ultrasonic excitation, we report the possibility of on-demand tailoring of the induced protrusion at water-air interface in space and time, depending on the shape of the input pressure field. The experimental method used to measure the deformation of the water surface in space and time shows close agreement with simulations. We demonstrate that acoustic radiation pressure allows shaping protrusion at fluid interfaces, which could be changed into a various set of spatiotemporal distributions, considering simple parameters of the ultrasonic excitation. This paves the way for novel approach to design programmable space and time-dependent gratings at fluid interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Félix Sisombat
- GREMAN UMR 7347, Université de Tours, INSA CVL, CNRS, 41000, Blois, France.
| | - Thibaut Devaux
- GREMAN UMR 7347, Université de Tours, INSA CVL, CNRS, 41000, Blois, France
| | - Lionel Haumesser
- GREMAN UMR 7347, Université de Tours, INSA CVL, CNRS, 41000, Blois, France
| | - Samuel Callé
- GREMAN UMR 7347, Université de Tours, INSA CVL, CNRS, 41000, Blois, France
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10
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Ma J, Krisnadi F, Vong MH, Kong M, Awartani OM, Dickey MD. Shaping a Soft Future: Patterning Liquid Metals. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2205196. [PMID: 36044678 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202205196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
This review highlights the unique techniques for patterning liquid metals containing gallium (e.g., eutectic gallium indium, EGaIn). These techniques are enabled by two unique attributes of these liquids relative to solid metals: 1) The fluidity of the metal allows it to be injected, sprayed, and generally dispensed. 2) The solid native oxide shell allows the metal to adhere to surfaces and be shaped in ways that would normally be prohibited due to surface tension. The ability to shape liquid metals into non-spherical structures such as wires, antennas, and electrodes can enable fluidic metallic conductors for stretchable electronics, soft robotics, e-skins, and wearables. The key properties of these metals with a focus on methods to pattern liquid metals into soft or stretchable devices are summari.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinwoo Ma
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Febby Krisnadi
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Man Hou Vong
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Minsik Kong
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Omar M Awartani
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, American University of Beirut, Beirut, 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Michael D Dickey
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
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11
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Zhao Z, Soni S, Lee T, Nijhuis CA, Xiang D. Smart Eutectic Gallium-Indium: From Properties to Applications. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2203391. [PMID: 36036771 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202203391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Eutectic gallium-indium (EGaIn), a liquid metal with a melting point close to or below room temperature, has attracted extensive attention in recent years due to its excellent properties such as fluidity, high conductivity, thermal conductivity, stretchability, self-healing capability, biocompatibility, and recyclability. These features of EGaIn can be adjusted by changing the experimental condition, and various composite materials with extended properties can be further obtained by mixing EGaIn with other materials. In this review, not only the are unique properties of EGaIn introduced, but also the working principles for the EGaIn-based devices are illustrated and the developments of EGaIn-related techniques are summarized. The applications of EGaIn in various fields, such as flexible electronics (sensors, antennas, electronic circuits), molecular electronics (molecular memory, opto-electronic switches, or reconfigurable junctions), energy catalysis (heat management, motors, generators, batteries), biomedical science (drug delivery, tumor therapy, bioimaging and neural interfaces) are reviewed. Finally, a critical discussion of the main challenges for the development of EGaIn-based techniques are discussed, and the potential applications in new fields are prospected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhibin Zhao
- Institute of Modern Optics and Center of Single Molecule Sciences, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Micro-scale Optical Information Science and Technology, Nankai University, 300350, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Saurabh Soni
- Department of Molecules and Materials, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, Molecules Center and Center for Brain-Inspired Nano Systems, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, 7500 AE, The Netherlands
| | - Takhee Lee
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Institute of Applied Physics, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea
| | - Christian A Nijhuis
- Department of Molecules and Materials, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, Molecules Center and Center for Brain-Inspired Nano Systems, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, 7500 AE, The Netherlands
| | - Dong Xiang
- Institute of Modern Optics and Center of Single Molecule Sciences, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Micro-scale Optical Information Science and Technology, Nankai University, 300350, Tianjin, P. R. China
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12
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Zhang J, Ma B, Chen G, Chen Y, Xu C, Hao Q, Zhao C, Liu H. Surface-Embedded Liquid Metal Electrodes with Abrasion Resistance via Direct Magnetic Printing. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:53405-53412. [PMID: 36382935 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c15282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Gallium-based liquid metals (LMs) featuring both high conductivity and fluidity are ideal conductors for soft and stretchable electronics. However, their liquid nature is a double-edged sword in many key applications since LMs are inherently prone to mechanical damage. Although additional encapsulation is frequently used for the protection of delicate LM electrodes, it hinders the electrical interfacing with other objects for interconnection, sensing, and stimulation. Here, different from conventional patterning methods that deposit LM on or inside substrates, we for the first time report a simple strategy to create surface-embedded LM of eutectic gallium-indium (EGaIn) circuits with mechanical damage endurance. This was achieved by using direct magnetic printing to overcome the high surface tension of LM, allowing it to be passively filled into the laser-patterned microgrooves on soft substrates. We show that the surface-embedded LM circuits are resistant to mechanical erasure, washing, and peeling. We also show the applications of our surface-embedded LM electrodes in respiration monitoring and electrical stimulation of nerves. This work provides a simple and efficient way to create mechanically reliable LM microelectrodes, holding great promise for wearable and implantable bioelectronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Biao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Gangsheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Yi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Chengtao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Qing Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Chao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Hong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
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13
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Guo R, Li T, Wu Z, Wan C, Niu J, Huo W, Yu H, Huang X. Thermal Transfer-Enabled Rapid Printing of Liquid Metal Circuits on Multiple Substrates. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:37028-37038. [PMID: 35938409 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c08743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Low-cost, rapid patterning of liquid metal on various substrates is a key processing step for liquid metal-based soft electronics. Current patterning methods rely on expensive equipment and specific substrates, which severely limit their widespread applications. Based on surface adhesion adjustment of liquid metal through thermal transferring toner patterns, we present a universal printing technique of liquid metal circuits. Without using any expensive processing steps or equipment, the circuit patterns can be printed quickly on thermal transfer paper using a desktop laser printer, and a toner on the thermal transfer paper can be transferred to various smooth substrates and polymer-coated rough substrates. The technique has yielded liquid metal circuits with a minimum linewidth of 50 μm fabricated on various smooth, rough, and three-dimensional substrates with complex morphology. The liquid metal circuits can maintain their functions even under an extreme strain of 800%. Various circuits such as LED arrays, multiple sensors, a flexible display, a heating circuit, a radiofrequency identification circuit, and a 12-lead electrocardiogram circuit on various substrates have been demonstrated, indicating the great potential of such a technique to rapidly achieve large-area flexible circuits for wearable health monitoring, internet of things, and consumer electronics at low cost and high efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Guo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Tianyu Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Ziyue Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Chunxue Wan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Jing Niu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Wenxing Huo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Haixia Yu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Xian Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300072, China
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14
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Zhang Y, Duan H, Li G, Peng M, Ma X, Li M, Yan S. Construction of liquid metal-based soft microfluidic sensors via soft lithography. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:246. [PMID: 35643573 PMCID: PMC9148490 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01471-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Liquid metal (LM) can be integrated into microfluidic channel, bringing new functionalities of microfluidics and opening a new window for soft microfluidic electronics, due to the superior advantages of the conductivity and deformability of LMs. However, patterning the LMs into microfluidic channels requires either selective surface wetting or complex fabrication process. Results In this work, we develop a method to pattern the LMs onto the soft elastomer via soft lithographic process for fabrication of soft microfluidic sensors without the surface modification, bulky facilities, and complicated processes. The combination of the interfacial hydrogen bond and surface tension enables the LM patterns transfer to the soft elastomer. The transferred LM patterns with an ellipse-like cross-section further improve the stability under the mechanical deformation. Three proof-of-concept experiments were conducted to demonstrate the utilization of this method for development of thermochromic sensors, self-powered capacity sensors and flexible biosensor for glucose detection. Conclusions In summary, the proposed method offers a new patterning method to obtain soft microfluidic sensors and brings new possibilities for microfluidics-related wearable devices. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12951-022-01471-0.
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15
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Joshipura ID, Persson KA, Truong VK, Oh JH, Kong M, Vong MH, Ni C, Alsafatwi M, Parekh DP, Zhao H, Dickey MD. Are Contact Angle Measurements Useful for Oxide-Coated Liquid Metals? LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2021; 37:10914-10923. [PMID: 34491063 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.1c01173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This work establishes that static contact angles for gallium-based liquid metals have no utility despite the continued and common use of such angles in the literature. In the presence of oxygen, these metals rapidly form a thin (∼1-3 nm) surface oxide "skin" that adheres to many surfaces and mechanically impedes its flow. This property is problematic for contact angle measurements, which presume the ability of liquids to flow freely to adopt shapes that minimize the interfacial energy. We show here that advancing angles for a metal are always high (>140°)-even on substrates to which it adheres-because the solid native oxide must rupture in tension to advance the contact line. The advancing angle for the metal depends subtly on the substrate surface chemistry but does not vary strongly with hydrophobicity of the substrate. During receding measurements, the metal droplet initially sags as the liquid withdraws from the "sac" formed by the skin and thus the contact area with the substrate initially increases despite its volumetric recession. The oxide pins at the perimeter of the deflated "sac" on all the surfaces are tested, except for certain rough surfaces. With additional withdrawal of the liquid metal, the pinned angle gets smaller until eventually the oxide "sac" collapses. Thus, static contact angles can be manipulated mechanically from 0° to >140° due to hysteresis and are therefore uninformative. We also provide recommendations and best practices for wetting experiments, which may find use in applications that use these alloys such as soft electronics, composites, and microfluidics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishan D Joshipura
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, 27695 North Carolina, United States
- Materials Engineering Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, 27695 California, United States
| | - K Alex Persson
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, 27695 North Carolina, United States
| | - Vi Khanh Truong
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, 27695 North Carolina, United States
- School of Science, College of Science, Engineering and Health, RMIT University, Melbourne VIC 3001, Australia
| | - Ji-Hyun Oh
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, 27695 North Carolina, United States
| | - Minsik Kong
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, 27695 North Carolina, United States
| | - Man Hou Vong
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, 27695 North Carolina, United States
| | - Chujun Ni
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, 27695 North Carolina, United States
| | - Mohanad Alsafatwi
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, 27695 North Carolina, United States
| | - Dishit P Parekh
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, 27695 North Carolina, United States
| | - Hong Zhao
- Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23284, United States
| | - Michael D Dickey
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, 27695 North Carolina, United States
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16
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Lu H, Yun G, Cole T, Ouyang Y, Ren H, Shu J, Zhang Y, Zhang S, Dickey MD, Li W, Tang SY. Reversible Underwater Adhesion for Soft Robotic Feet by Leveraging Electrochemically Tunable Liquid Metal Interfaces. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:37904-37914. [PMID: 34319083 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c09776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Soft crawling robots have potential applications for surveillance, rescue, and detection in complex environments. Despite this, most existing soft crawling robots either use nonadjustable feet to passively induce asymmetry in friction to actuate or are only capable of moving on surfaces with specific designs. Thus, robots often lack the ability to move along arbitrary directions in a two-dimensional (2D) plane or in unpredictable environments such as wet surfaces. Here, leveraging the electrochemically tunable interfaces of liquid metal, we report the development of liquid metal smart feet (LMSF) that enable electrical control of friction for achieving versatile actuation of prismatic crawling robots on wet slippery surfaces. The functionality of the LMSF is examined on crawling robots with soft or rigid actuators. Parameters that affect the performance of the LMSF are investigated. The robots with the LMSF prove capable of actuating across different surfaces in various solutions. Demonstration of 2D locomotion of crawling robots along arbitrary directions validates the versatility and reliability of the LMSF, suggesting broad utility in the development of advanced soft robotic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongda Lu
- School of Mechanical, Materials, Mechatronic and Biomedical Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Guolin Yun
- School of Mechanical, Materials, Mechatronic and Biomedical Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Tim Cole
- Department of Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, U.K
| | - Yiming Ouyang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Hongtai Ren
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Jian Shu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Yuxin Zhang
- Department of Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, U.K
| | - Shiwu Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Michael D Dickey
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Weihua Li
- School of Mechanical, Materials, Mechatronic and Biomedical Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Shi-Yang Tang
- Department of Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, U.K
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17
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Babu S, Dousti B, Lee GS, Lee JB. Conversion of Polymer Surfaces into Nonwetting Substrates for Liquid Metal Applications. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2021; 37:8139-8147. [PMID: 34180680 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.1c00689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Liquid metal-based applications are limited by the wetting nature of polymers toward surface-oxidized gallium-based liquid metals. This work demonstrates that a 120 s CF4/O2 plasma treatment of polymer surfaces-such as poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), SU8, S1813, and polyimide-converts these previously wetting surfaces to nonwetting surfaces for gallium-based liquid metals. Static and advancing contact angles of all plasma-treated surfaces are >150°, and receding contact angles are >140°, with contact angle hysteresis in the range of 8.2-10.7°, collectively indicating lyophobic behavior. This lyophobic behavior is attributed to the plasma simultaneously fluorinating the surface while creating sub-micron scale roughness. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results show a large presence of fluorine at the surface, indicating fluorination of surface methyl groups, while atomic force microscopy (AFM) results show that plasma-treated surfaces have an order of magnitude greater surface roughness than pristine surfaces, indicating a Cassie-Baxter state, which suggests that surface roughness is the primary cause of the nonwetting property, with surface chemistry making a smaller contribution. Solid surface free energy values for all plasma-treated surfaces were found to be generally lower than the pristine surfaces, indicating that this process can be used to make similar classes of polymers nonwetting to gallium-based liquid metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachin Babu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, Texas 75080, United States
| | - Behnoush Dousti
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, Texas 75080, United States
| | - Gil Sik Lee
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, Texas 75080, United States
| | - Jeong-Bong Lee
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, Texas 75080, United States
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18
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Qi HJ, Ionov L, Zhao R. Preface: Forum on Novel Stimuli-Responsive Materials for 3D Printing. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:12637-12638. [PMID: 33761585 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c03782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
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19
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Neumann TV, Kara B, Sargolzaeiaval Y, Im S, Ma J, Yang J, Ozturk MC, Dickey MD. Aerosol Spray Deposition of Liquid Metal and Elastomer Coatings for Rapid Processing of Stretchable Electronics. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:146. [PMID: 33535606 PMCID: PMC7912875 DOI: 10.3390/mi12020146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We report a spray deposition technique for patterning liquid metal alloys to form stretchable conductors, which can then be encapsulated in silicone elastomers via the same spraying procedure. While spraying has been used previously to deposit many materials, including liquid metals, this work focuses on quantifying the spraying process and combining it with silicones. Spraying generates liquid metal microparticles (~5 μm diameter) that pass through openings in a stencil to produce traces with high resolution (~300 µm resolution using stencils from a craft cutter) on a substrate. The spraying produces sufficient kinetic energy (~14 m/s) to distort the particles on impact, which allows them to merge together. This merging process depends on both particle size and velocity. Particles of similar size do not merge when cast as a film. Likewise, smaller particles (<1 µm) moving at the same speed do not rupture on impact either, though calculations suggest that such particles could rupture at higher velocities. The liquid metal features can be encased by spraying uncured silicone elastomer from a volatile solvent to form a conformal coating that does not disrupt the liquid metal features during spraying. Alternating layers of liquid metal and elastomer may be patterned sequentially to build multilayer devices, such as soft and stretchable sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor V. Neumann
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA; (T.V.N.); (S.I.); (J.M.); (J.Y.)
| | - Berra Kara
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA; (B.K.); (Y.S.); (M.C.O.)
| | - Yasaman Sargolzaeiaval
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA; (B.K.); (Y.S.); (M.C.O.)
| | - Sooik Im
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA; (T.V.N.); (S.I.); (J.M.); (J.Y.)
| | - Jinwoo Ma
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA; (T.V.N.); (S.I.); (J.M.); (J.Y.)
| | - Jiayi Yang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA; (T.V.N.); (S.I.); (J.M.); (J.Y.)
| | - Mehmet C. Ozturk
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA; (B.K.); (Y.S.); (M.C.O.)
| | - Michael D. Dickey
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA; (T.V.N.); (S.I.); (J.M.); (J.Y.)
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