Recent progress on liquid metals and their applications

• Published in: Advances in physics: X Vol. 3; no. 1; p. 1446359
• Main Authors: Bo, Guyue, Ren, Long, Xu, Xun, Du, Yi, Dou, Shixue
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis 01.01.2018; Taylor & Francis Group
• Subjects: 61.25.Mv, % Liquid metals and alloys; 68.03.Cd, % Surface tension and related phenomena; 72.15.Cz, % Electrical and thermal conduction in amorphous and liquid metals and alloys; 74.25.-q, % Properties of superconductors; applications; eutectic; gallium; Liquid metal; room temperature
• ISSN: 2374-6149; 2374-6149
• DOI: 10.1080/23746149.2018.1446359

Gallium-based liquid metals show excellent thermal and electrical conductivities with low viscosity and non-toxicity. Their melting points are either lower than or close to room temperature, which endows them with additional advantages in comparison to the solid metals; for example, they are flexible, stretchable and reformable at room temperature. Recently, great improvements have been achieved in developing multifunctional devices by using Ga-based liquid metals, including actuators, flexible circuits, bio-devices and self-healing superconductors. Here, we review recent research progress on Gallium-based liquid metals, especially on the applications aspects. These applications are mainly based on the unique properties of liquid metals, including low melting point, flexible and stretchable mechanical properties, excellent electrical and thermal conductivities and biocompatibility.