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Liu X, Wang Q, Zhou S, Feng S, Wei Y, Bu F, Wang K, Wang J, Zhang B, Guan C. Stiffness and Interface Engineered Soft Electronics with Large-Scale Robust Deformability. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2407886. [PMID: 39180261 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202407886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
Skin-like stretchable electronics emerge as promising human-machine interfaces but are challenged by the paradox between superior electronic property and reliable mechanical deformability. Here, a general strategy is reported for establishing robust large-scale deformable electronics by effectively isolating strains and strengthening interfaces. A copolymer substrate is designed to consist of mosaic stiff and elastic areas with nearly four orders of magnitudes modulus contrast and cross-linked interfaces. Electronic functional devices and stretchable liquid metal (LM) interconnects are conformally attached at the stiff and elastic areas, respectively, through hydrogen bonds. As a result, functional devices are completely isolated from strains, and resistances of LM conductors change by less than one time when the substrate is deformed by up to 550%. By this strategy, solar cells, wireless charging antenna, supercapacitors, and light-emitting diodes are integrated into a self-powered electronic skin that can laminate on the human body and exhibit stable performances during repeated multimode deformations, demonstrating an efficient path for realizing highly deformable energy autonomous soft electronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangye Liu
- Institute of Flexible Electronics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China
- Key laboratory of Flexible Electronics of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University, 218 Qingyi Road, Ningbo, 315103, China
| | - Qiangzheng Wang
- Institute of Flexible Electronics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China
- Key laboratory of Flexible Electronics of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University, 218 Qingyi Road, Ningbo, 315103, China
| | - Sufeng Zhou
- Institute of Flexible Electronics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China
- Key laboratory of Flexible Electronics of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University, 218 Qingyi Road, Ningbo, 315103, China
| | - Shiwei Feng
- Institute of Flexible Electronics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Yulin Wei
- Institute of Flexible Electronics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Fan Bu
- Institute of Flexible Electronics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China
- Key laboratory of Flexible Electronics of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University, 218 Qingyi Road, Ningbo, 315103, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Institute of Flexible Electronics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China
- Key laboratory of Flexible Electronics of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University, 218 Qingyi Road, Ningbo, 315103, China
| | - John Wang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117574, Singapore
| | - Biao Zhang
- Institute of Flexible Electronics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Cao Guan
- Institute of Flexible Electronics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China
- Key laboratory of Flexible Electronics of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University, 218 Qingyi Road, Ningbo, 315103, China
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2
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Chen J, Chen X, Su Y, Shen B, Zheng W. Multifunctional strain-activated liquid-metal composite films with electromechanical decoupling for stretchable electromagnetic shielding. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2024. [PMID: 39129493 DOI: 10.1039/d4mh00774c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
The increasing miniaturization and intelligence of flexible electronic devices pose a challenge to the facile and scalable fabrication of multifunctional stretchable electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding films with strain-stable shielding effectiveness (SE). This paper presents a highly stretchable liquid metal/thermoplastic polyurethane (LM/TPU) composite film produced via a facile method of scraping and pre-stretching induced activation. The TPU matrix endows the activated LM/TPU (ALMT) film with excellent tensile properties (elongation at break >700%), and the stable and malleable three-dimensional conductive LM network enables the ALMT film to exhibit almost negligible resistance changes and strain-enhanced conductivity during stretching, resulting in excellent strain-insensitive far-field and near-field shielding capabilities. Moreover, the high EMI SE up to ∼60 dB in the tensile state (0-400%) and reduced thickness from ∼75 to ∼50 μm during stretching allow the SE/thickness values of the ALMT film to increase from ∼700 to ∼1200 dB mm-1, outperforming most of the reported LM/polymer composites. Furthermore, the stretchability of the ALMT film provides efficient Joule-heating performance even under substantial deformation, and it can also serve as a strain sensor for real-time monitoring of human motion. The strain-insensitive EMI shielding behavior as well as the outstanding Joule heating and sensing performance of the ALMT film renders it a promising candidate for next-generation flexible electronic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiali Chen
- Ningbo Key Lab of Polymer Materials, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang province, 315201, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xuezhe Chen
- Ningbo Key Lab of Polymer Materials, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang province, 315201, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yaozhuo Su
- Ningbo Key Lab of Polymer Materials, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang province, 315201, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Bin Shen
- Ningbo Key Lab of Polymer Materials, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang province, 315201, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wenge Zheng
- Ningbo Key Lab of Polymer Materials, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang province, 315201, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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3
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Krisnadi F, Kim S, Im S, Chacko D, Vong MH, Rykaczewski K, Park S, Dickey MD. Printable Liquid Metal Foams That Grow When Watered. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2308862. [PMID: 38252810 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202308862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Pastes and "foams" containing liquid metal (LM) as the continuous phase (liquid metal foams, LMFs) exhibit metallic properties while displaying paste or putty-like rheological behavior. These properties enable LMFs to be patterned into soft and stretchable electrical and thermal conductors through processes conducted at room temperature, such as printing. The simplest LMFs, featured in this work, are made by stirring LM in air, thereby entraining oxide-lined air "pockets" into the LM. Here, it is reported that mixing small amounts of water (as low as 1 wt%) into such LMFs gives rise to significant foaming by harnessing known reactions that evolve hydrogen and produce oxides. The resulting structures can be ≈4-5× their original volume and possess a fascinating combination of attributes: porosity, electrical conductivity, and responsiveness to environmental conditions. This expansion can be utilized for a type of 4D printing in which patterned conductors "grow," fill cavities, and change shape and density with respect to time. Excessive exposure to water in the long term ultimately consumes the metal in the LMF. However, when exposure to water is controlled, the metallic properties of porous LMFs can be preserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Febby Krisnadi
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Seoyeon Kim
- Department of Nano Convergence Engineering, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, 54896, South Korea
| | - Sooik Im
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Dennis Chacko
- 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
| | - Konrad Rykaczewski
- School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Sungjune Park
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, South Korea
| | - Michael D Dickey
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
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4
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Wu D, Wu S, Narongdej P, Duan S, Chen C, Yan Y, Liu Z, Hong W, Frenkel I, He X. Fast and Facile Liquid Metal Printing via Projection Lithography for Highly Stretchable Electronic Circuits. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2307632. [PMID: 38126914 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202307632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Soft electronic circuits are crucial for wearable electronics, biomedical technologies, and soft robotics, requiring soft conductive materials with high conductivity, high strain limit, and stable electrical performance under deformation. Liquid metals (LMs) have become attractive candidates with high conductivity and fluidic compliance, while effective manufacturing methods are demanded. Digital light processing (DLP)-based projection lithography is a high-resolution and high-throughput printing technique for primarily polymers and some metals. If LMs can be printed with DLP as well, the entire soft devices can be fabricated by one printer in a streamlined and highly efficient process. Herein, fast and facile DLP-based LM printing is achieved. Simply with 5-10 s of patterned ultraviolet (UV)-light exposure, a highly conductive and stretchable pattern can be printed using a photo-crosslinkable LM particle ink. The printed eutectic gallium indium traces feature high resolution (≈20 µm), conductivity (3 × 106 S m-1), stretchability (≈2500%), and excellent stability (consistent performance at different deformation). Various patterns are printed in diverse material systems for broad applications including stretchable displays, epidermal strain sensors, heaters, humidity sensors, conformal electrodes for electrography, and multi-layer actuators. The facile and scalable process, excellent performance, and diverse applications ensure its broad impact on soft electronic manufacturing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Wu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Shuwang Wu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Poom Narongdej
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Sidi Duan
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Chi Chen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Yichen Yan
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Zixiao Liu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Wen Hong
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Imri Frenkel
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Ximin He
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
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5
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Jiang H, Yuan B, Guo H, Pan F, Meng F, Wu Y, Wang X, Ruan L, Zheng S, Yang Y, Xiu Z, Li L, Wu C, Gong Y, Yang M, Lu W. Malleable, printable, bondable, and highly conductive MXene/liquid metal plasticine with improved wettability. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6138. [PMID: 39033166 PMCID: PMC11271265 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50541-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Integration of functional fillers into liquid metals (LM) induces rheology modification, enabling the free-form shaping of LM at the micrometer scale. However, integrating non-chemically modified low-dimensional materials with LM to form stable and uniform dispersions remain a great challenge. Herein, we propose a solvent-assisted dispersion (SAD) method that utilizes the fragmentation and reintegration of LM in volatile solvents to engulf and disperse fillers. This method successfully integrates MXene uniformly into LM, achieving better internal connectivity than the conventional dry powder mixing (DPM) method. Consequently, the MXene/LM (MLM) coating exhibits high electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance (105 dB at 20 μm, which is 1.6 times that of coatings prepared by DPM). Moreover, the rheological characteristic of MLM render it malleable and facilitates direct printing and adaptation to diverse structures. This study offers a convenient method for assembling LM with low-dimensional materials, paving the way for the development of multifunctional soft devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haojie Jiang
- Shanghai Key Lab. of D&A for Metal Functional Materials, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201804, China
| | - Bin Yuan
- Shanghai Key Lab. of D&A for Metal Functional Materials, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201804, China
| | - Hongtao Guo
- Shanghai Key Lab. of D&A for Metal Functional Materials, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201804, China
| | - Fei Pan
- Shanghai Key Lab. of D&A for Metal Functional Materials, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201804, China
| | - Fanmao Meng
- Shanghai Key Lab. of D&A for Metal Functional Materials, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201804, China
| | - Yongpeng Wu
- School of Materials and Chemistry, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- Shanghai Key Lab. of D&A for Metal Functional Materials, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201804, China
| | - Lingyang Ruan
- Shanghai Key Lab. of D&A for Metal Functional Materials, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201804, China
| | - Shuhuai Zheng
- Shanghai Key Lab. of D&A for Metal Functional Materials, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201804, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Shanghai Key Lab. of D&A for Metal Functional Materials, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201804, China
| | - Zheng Xiu
- Shanghai Key Lab. of D&A for Metal Functional Materials, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201804, China
| | - Lixin Li
- Shanghai Key Lab. of D&A for Metal Functional Materials, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201804, China
| | - Changsheng Wu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117575, Singapore
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- The N.1 Institute for Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117456, Singapore
| | - Yongqing Gong
- Shanghai Key Lab. of D&A for Metal Functional Materials, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201804, China
| | - Menghao Yang
- Shanghai Key Lab. of D&A for Metal Functional Materials, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201804, China
| | - Wei Lu
- Shanghai Key Lab. of D&A for Metal Functional Materials, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201804, China.
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6
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Lin Z, Qiu X, Cai Z, Li J, Zhao Y, Lin X, Zhang J, Hu X, Bai H. High internal phase emulsions gel ink for direct-ink-writing 3D printing of liquid metal. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4806. [PMID: 38839743 PMCID: PMC11153652 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48906-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
3D printing of liquid metal remains a big challenge due to its low viscosity and large surface tension. In this study, we use Carbopol hydrogel and liquid gallium-indium alloy to prepare a liquid metal high internal phase emulsion gel ink, which can be used for direct-ink-writing 3D printing. The high volume fraction (up to 82.5%) of the liquid metal dispersed phase gives the ink excellent elastic properties, while the Carbopol hydrogel, as the continuous phase, provides lubrication for the liquid metal droplets, ensuring smooth flow of the ink during shear extrusion. These enable high-resolution and shape-stable 3D printing of three-dimensional structures. Moreover, the liquid metal droplets exhibit an electrocapillary phenomenon in the Carbopol hydrogel, which allows for demulsification by an electric field and enables electrical connectivity between droplets. We have also achieved the printing of ink on flexible, non-planar structures, and demonstrated the potential for alternating printing with various materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zewen Lin
- College of Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China
| | - Xiaowen Qiu
- College of Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China
| | - Zhouqishuo Cai
- College of Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China
| | - Jialiang Li
- College of Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China
| | - Yanan Zhao
- College of Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China
| | - Xinping Lin
- College of Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China
| | - Jinmeng Zhang
- College of Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China
| | - Xiaolan Hu
- College of Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China.
| | - Hua Bai
- College of Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China.
- Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Xiamen, China.
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7
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Ahmed S, Momin M, Ren J, Lee H, Zhou T. Self-Assembly Enabled Printable Asymmetric Self-Insulated Stretchable Conductor for Human Interface. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2400082. [PMID: 38563579 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202400082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Soft and stretchable conductors with high electrical conductivity and tissue-like mechanical properties are crucial for both on-skin and implantable electronic devices. Liquid metal-based conductors hold great promise due to their metallic conductivity and minimal stiffness. However, the surface oxidation of liquid metal particles in polymeric matrices poses a challenge in forming a continuous pathway for highly conductive elastic composites. Here, it is reported a printable composite material based on liquid metal and conducting polymer that undergoes a self-assembly process, achieving high conductivity (2089 S cm-1) in the bottom surface while maintaining an insulated top surface, high stretchability (>800%), and a modulus akin to human skin tissue. This material is further applied to fabricate skin-interfaced strain sensors and electromyogram sensors through 3D printing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salahuddin Ahmed
- Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802, USA
| | - Marzia Momin
- Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802, USA
| | - Jiashu Ren
- Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802, USA
| | - Hyunjin Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802, USA
| | - Tao Zhou
- Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802, USA
- Center for Neural Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802, USA
- Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802, USA
- Materials Research Institute, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802, USA
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8
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Zu W, Carranza HE, Bartlett MD. Enhancing Electrical Conductivity of Stretchable Liquid Metal-Silver Composites through Direct Ink Writing. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16. [PMID: 38685822 PMCID: PMC11082841 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c02466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Structure-property-process relationships are a controlling factor in the performance of materials. This offers opportunities in emerging areas, such as stretchable conductors, to control process conditions during printing to enhance performance. Herein, by systematically tuning direct ink write (DIW) process parameters, the electrical conductivity of multiphase liquid metal (LM)-silver stretchable conductors is increased by a maximum of 400% to over 1.06 × 106 S·m-1. This is achieved by modulating the DIW print velocity, which enables the in situ elongation, coalescence, and percolation of these multiphase inclusions during printing. These DIW printed filaments are conductive as fabricated and are soft (modulus as low as 1.1 MPa), stretchable (strain limit >800%), and show strain invariant conductivity up to 80% strain. These capabilities are demonstrated through a set of electromagnetic induction coils that can transfer power wirelessly through air and water, even under deformation. This work provides a methodology to program properties in stretchable conductors, where the combination of material composition and process parameters leads to greatly enhanced performance. This approach can find use in applications such as soft robots, soft electronics, and printed materials for deformable, yet highly functional devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wuzhou Zu
- Mechanical
Engineering, Soft Materials and Structures Lab, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Hugo E. Carranza
- Mechanical
Engineering, Soft Materials and Structures Lab, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Michael D. Bartlett
- Mechanical
Engineering, Soft Materials and Structures Lab, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
- Macromolecules
Innovation Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
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9
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Lee DH, Lim T, Pyeon J, Park H, Lee SW, Lee S, Kim W, Kim M, Lee JC, Kim DW, Han S, Kim H, Park S, Choi YK. Self-Mixed Biphasic Liquid Metal Composite with Ultra-High Stretchability and Strain-Insensitivity for Neuromorphic Circuits. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2310956. [PMID: 38196140 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202310956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Neuromorphic circuits that can function under extreme deformations are important for various data-driven wearable and robotic applications. Herein, biphasic liquid metal particle (BMP) with unprecedented stretchability and strain-insensitivity (ΔR/R0 = 1.4@ 1200% strain) is developed to realize a stretchable neuromorphic circuit that mimics a spike-based biologic sensory system. The BMP consists of liquid metal particles (LMPs) and rigid liquid metal particles (RLMPs), which are homogeneously mixed via spontaneous solutal-Marangoni mixing flow during coating. This permits facile single step patterning directly on various substrates at room temperature. BMP is highly conductive (2.3 × 106 S/m) without any post activation steps. BMP interconnects are utilized for a sensory system, which is capable of distinguishing variations of biaxial strains with a spiking neural network, thus demonstrating their potential for various sensing and signal processing applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Do Hoon Lee
- School of Electrical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Taesu Lim
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeongsu Pyeon
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunmin Park
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Won Lee
- School of Electrical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungkyu Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonsik Kim
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Kim
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Chan Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Do-Wan Kim
- School of Electrical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungmin Han
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyoungsoo Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Steve Park
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- KAIST Institute for Health Science and Technology 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Yang-Kyu Choi
- School of Electrical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
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10
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Wang D, Hou Y, Tang J, Liu J, Rao W. Liquid Metal as Energy Conversion Sensitizers: Materials and Applications. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2304777. [PMID: 38468447 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202304777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Energy can exist in nature in a wide range of forms. Energy conversion refers to the process in which energy is converted from one form to another, and this process will be greatly enhanced by energy conversion sensitizers. Recently, an emerging class of new materials, namely liquid metals (LMs), shows excellent prospects as highly versatile materials. Notably, in terms of energy delivery and conversion, LMs functional materials are chemical responsive, heat-responsive, photo-responsive, magnetic-responsive, microwave-responsive, and medical imaging responsive. All these intrinsic virtues enabled promising applications in energy conversion, which means LMs can act as energy sensitizers for enhancing energy conversion and transport. Herein, first the unique properties of the light, heat, magnetic and microwave converting capacity of gallium-based LMs materials are summarized. Then platforms and applications of LM-based energy conversion sensitizers are highlighted. Finally, some of the potential applications and opportunities of LMs are prospected as energy conversion sensitizers in the future, as well as unresolved challenges. Collectively, it is believed that this review provides a clear perspective for LMs mediated energy conversion, and this topic will help deepen knowledge of the physical chemistry properties of LMs functional materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawei Wang
- Key laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, 550025, China
| | - Yi Hou
- Key Laboratory of Cryogenic Science and Technology, 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
| | - Jianbo Tang
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Kensington, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - 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
| | - Wei Rao
- Key Laboratory of Cryogenic Science and Technology, 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
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11
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Lu G, Ni E, Jiang Y, Wu W, Li H. Room-Temperature Liquid Metals for Flexible Electronic Devices. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2304147. [PMID: 37875665 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202304147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Room-temperature gallium-based liquid metals (RT-GaLMs) have garnered significant interest recently owing to their extraordinary combination of fluidity, conductivity, stretchability, self-healing performance, and biocompatibility. They are ideal materials for the manufacture of flexible electronics. By changing the composition and oxidation of RT-GaLMs, physicochemical characteristics of the liquid metal can be adjusted, especially the regulation of rheological, wetting, and adhesion properties. This review highlights the advancements in the liquid metals used in flexible electronics. Meanwhile related characteristics of RT-GaLMs and underlying principles governing their processing and applications for flexible electronics are elucidated. Finally, the diverse applications of RT-GaLMs in self-healing circuits, flexible sensors, energy harvesting devices, and epidermal electronics, are explored. Additionally, the challenges hindering the progress of RT-GaLMs are discussed, while proposing future research directions and potential applications in this emerging field. By presenting a concise and critical analysis, this paper contributes to the advancement of RT-GaLMs as an advanced material applicable for the new generation of flexible electronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guixuan Lu
- Key Laboratory for Liquid-Solid Structural Evolution and Processing of Materials (Ministry of Education), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250061, China
| | - Erli Ni
- The Institute for Advanced Studies of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China
| | - Yanyan Jiang
- Key Laboratory for Liquid-Solid Structural Evolution and Processing of Materials (Ministry of Education), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250061, China
| | - Weikang Wu
- Key Laboratory for Liquid-Solid Structural Evolution and Processing of Materials (Ministry of Education), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250061, China
| | - Hui Li
- Key Laboratory for Liquid-Solid Structural Evolution and Processing of Materials (Ministry of Education), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250061, China
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12
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Wang C, Zhao H. Polymer Brushes and Surface Nanostructures: Molecular Design, Precise Synthesis, and Self-Assembly. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024; 40:2439-2464. [PMID: 38279930 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c02813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
For over two decades, polymer brushes have found wide applications in industry and scientific research. Now, polymer brush research has been a significant research focus in the community of polymer science. In this review paper, we give an introduction to the synthesis, self-assembly, and applications of one-dimensional (1D) polymer brushes on polymer backbones, two-dimensional (2D) polymer brushes on flat surfaces, and three-dimensional (3D) polymer brushes on spherical particles. Examples of the synthesis of polymer brushes on different substrates are provided. Studies on the formation of the surface nanostructures on solid surfaces are also reviewed in this article. Multicomponent polymer brushes on solid surfaces are able to self-assemble into surface micelles (s-micelles). If the s-micelles are linked to the substrates through cleavable linkages, the s-micelles can be cleaved from the substrates, and the cleaved s-micelles are able to self-assemble into hierarchical structures. The formation of the surface nanostructures by coassembly of polymer brushes and "free" polymer chains (coassembly approach) or polymerization-induced surface self-assembly approach, is discussed. The applications of the polymer brushes in colloid and biomedical science are summarized. Finally, perspectives on the development of polymer brushes are offered in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Wang
- College of Chemistry and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of the Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Hanying Zhao
- College of Chemistry and Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of the Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin 300071, China
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13
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Zang W, Wang Y, Wu W, Yao J, Hao X, Yu B, Wu D, Cao PF, Jiang Y, Ning N, Tian M, Zhang L. Superstretchable Liquid-Metal Electrodes for Dielectric Elastomer Transducers and Flexible Circuits. ACS NANO 2024; 18:1226-1236. [PMID: 38153997 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c12210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Dielectric elastomer transducers (DETs), with a dielectric elastomer (DE) film sandwiched between two compliant electrodes, are highly sought after in the fields of soft robotics, energy harvesting, and human-machine interaction. To achieve a high-performance DET, it is essential to develop electrodes with high conductivity, strain-insensitive resistance, and adaptability. Herein, we design an electrode (Supra-LMNs) based on multiple dynamic bond cross-linked supramolecular networks (Ns) and liquid metal (LM), which realizes high conductivity (up to 16,000 S cm-1), negligible resistance changes at high strain (1.3-fold increase at 1000% strain), instantaneous self-healability at ambient temperature, and rapid recycling. The conductive pathway can be activated through simple friction by transmitting stress through the silver nanowires (AgNWs) and cross-linking sites of LM particles. This method is especially attractive for printing circuits on flexible substrates, especially DE films. Utilized as dielectric elastomer generator (DEG) electrodes, it reduces the charge loss by 3 orders of magnitude and achieves high generating energy density and energy conversion efficiency on a low-resistance load. Additionally, serving as sensor (DES) and actuator (DEA) electrodes, it enables a highly sensitive sensing capability and complex interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenpeng Zang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Yuhao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Wenju Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Jiashuai Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Xuesong Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Bing Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Daming Wu
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Peng-Fei Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Yingjie Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Nanying Ning
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Ming Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Liqun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
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14
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Menke MA, Li BM, Arnold MG, Mueller LE, Dietrich R, Zhou S, Kelley-Loughnane N, Dennis P, Boock JT, Estevez J, Tabor CE, Sparks JL. Silky Liquid Metal Electrodes for On-Skin Health Monitoring. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2301811. [PMID: 37779336 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202301811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Next generation on-skin electrodes will require soft, flexible, and gentle materials to provide both high-fidelity sensing and wearer comfort. However, many commercially available on-skin electrodes lack these key properties due to their use of rigid hardware, harsh adhesives, uncomfortable support structures, and poor breathability. To address these challenges, this work presents a new device paradigm by joining biocompatible electrospun spider silk with printable liquid metal to yield an incredibly soft and scalable on-skin electrode that is strain-tolerant, conformable, and gentle on-skin. These electrodes, termed silky liquid metal (SLiM) electrodes, are found to be over five times more breathable than commercial wet electrodes, while the silk's intrinsic adhesion mechanism allows SLiM electrodes to avoid the use of harsh artificial adhesives, potentially decreasing skin irritation and inflammation over long-term use. Finally, the SLiM electrodes provide comparable impedances to traditional wet and other liquid metal electrodes, offering a high-fidelity sensing alternative with increased wearer comfort. Human subject testing confirmed the SLiM electrodes ability to sense electrophysiological signals with high fidelity and minimal irritation to the skin. The unique properties of the reported SLiM electrodes offer a comfortable electrophysiological sensing solution especially for patients with pre-existing skin conditions or surface wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Menke
- Department of Chemical, Paper, and Biomedical Engineering, Miami University, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH, 45433, USA
| | - Braden M Li
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH, 45433, USA
- Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Human Systems Division, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH, 45433, USA
| | - Meghan G Arnold
- Department of Chemical, Paper, and Biomedical Engineering, Miami University, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA
| | - Logan E Mueller
- Department of Chemical, Paper, and Biomedical Engineering, Miami University, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA
| | - Robin Dietrich
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH, 45433, USA
| | - Shijie Zhou
- Department of Chemical, Paper, and Biomedical Engineering, Miami University, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA
| | - Nancy Kelley-Loughnane
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH, 45433, USA
| | - Patrick Dennis
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH, 45433, USA
| | - Jason T Boock
- Department of Chemical, Paper, and Biomedical Engineering, Miami University, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA
| | - Joseph Estevez
- Naval Air Warfare Center, Weapons Division, China Lake, CA, 93555, USA
| | - Christopher E Tabor
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH, 45433, USA
| | - Jessica L Sparks
- Department of Chemical, Paper, and Biomedical Engineering, Miami University, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA
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15
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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: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [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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16
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Tholen HM, Ambulo CP, Lee KM, Buskohl PR, Harne RL. Optomechanical computing in liquid crystal elastomers. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:6978-6986. [PMID: 37665593 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm00819c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Embodied decision-making in soft, engineered matter has sparked recent interest towards the development of intelligent materials. Such decision-making capabilities can be realized in soft materials via digital information processing with combinational logic operations. Although previous research has explored soft material actuators and embedded logic in soft materials, achieving a high degree of autonomy in these material systems remains a challenge. Light is an ideal stimulus to trigger information processing in soft materials due to its low thermal effect and remote use. Thus, one approach for developing soft, autonomous materials is to integrate optomechanical computing capabilities in photoresponsive materials. Here, we establish a methodology to embed combinational logic circuitry in a photoresponsive liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) film. These LCEs are designed with embedded switches and integrated circuitry using liquid metal-based conductive traces. The resulting optomechanical computing LCEs can effectively process optical information via light, thermal, and mechanical energy conversion. The methods introduced in this work to fabricate a material capable of optical information processing can facilitate the implementation of a sense of sight in soft robotic systems and other compliant devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haley M Tholen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
| | - Cedric P Ambulo
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH, USA
- Azimuth Corporation, Fairborn, OH, USA
| | - Kyung Min Lee
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH, USA
- Azimuth Corporation, Fairborn, OH, USA
| | - Philip R Buskohl
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH, USA
| | - Ryan L Harne
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
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17
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Lee GH, Lee DH, Jeon W, Yoon J, Ahn K, Nam KS, Kim M, Kim JK, Koo YH, Joo J, Jung W, Lee J, Nam J, Park S, Jeong JW, Park S. Conductance stable and mechanically durable bi-layer EGaIn composite-coated stretchable fiber for 1D bioelectronics. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4173. [PMID: 37443162 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39928-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Deformable semi-solid liquid metal particles (LMP) have emerged as a promising substitute for rigid conductive fillers due to their excellent electrical properties and stable conductance under strain. However, achieving a compact and robust coating of LMP on fibers remains a persistent challenge, mainly due to the incompatibility of conventional coating techniques with LMP. Additionally, the limited durability and absence of initial electrical conductivity of LMP restrict their widespread application. In this study, we propose a solution process that robustly and compactly assembles mechanically durable and initially conductive LMP on fibers. Specifically, we present a shearing-based deposition of polymer-attached LMP followed by additional coating with CNT-attached LMP to create bi-layer LMP composite with exceptional durability, electrical conductivity, stretchability, and biocompatibility on various fibers. The versatility and reliability of this manufacturing strategy for 1D electronics are demonstrated through the development of sewn electrical circuits, smart clothes, stretchable biointerfaced fiber, and multifunctional fiber probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gun-Hee Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- School of Electrical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Do Hoon Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Woojin Jeon
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihwan Yoon
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Institute of Chemical Processes, Seoul National University, 599 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwangguk Ahn
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Institute of Chemical Processes, Seoul National University, 599 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Kum Seok Nam
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Kim
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Kyu Kim
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Hoe Koo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), 50, UNIST-gil, Ulju-gun, Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinmyoung Joo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), 50, UNIST-gil, Ulju-gun, Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - WooChul Jung
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaehong Lee
- Department of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), 333 Techno Jungang-daero, Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaewook Nam
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Institute of Chemical Processes, Seoul National University, 599 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongjun Park
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
- KAIST Institute for Health Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
- KAIST Institute for NanoCentury, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jae-Woong Jeong
- School of Electrical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
- KAIST Institute for Health Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
| | - Steve Park
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
- KAIST Institute for Health Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
- KAIST Institute for NanoCentury, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
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18
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Li Y, Fang T, Zhang J, Zhu H, Sun Y, Wang S, Lu Y, Kong D. Ultrasensitive and ultrastretchable electrically self-healing conductors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2300953120. [PMID: 37253015 PMCID: PMC10266060 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2300953120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Self-healing is a bioinspired strategy to repair damaged conductors under repetitive wear and tear, thereby largely extending the life span of electronic devices. The self-healing process often demands external triggering conditions as the practical challenges for the widespread applications. Here, a compliant conductor with electrically self-healing capability is introduced by combining ultrahigh sensitivity to minor damages and reliable recovery from ultrahigh tensile deformations. Conductive features are created in a scalable and low-cost fabrication process comprising a copper layer on top of liquid metal microcapsules. The efficient rupture of microcapsules is triggered by structural damages in the copper layer under stress conditions as a result of the strong interfacial interactions. The liquid metal is selectively filled into the damaged site for the instantaneous restoration of the metallic conductivity. The unique healing mechanism is responsive to various structural degradations including microcracks under bending conditions and severe fractures upon large stretching. The compliant conductor demonstrates high conductivity of ∼12,000 S/cm, ultrahigh stretchability of up to 1,200% strain, an ultralow threshold to activate the healing actions, instantaneous electrical recovery in microseconds, and exceptional electromechanical durability. Successful implementations in a light emitting diode (LED) matrix display and a multifunctional electronic patch demonstrate the practical suitability of the electrically self-healing conductor in flexible and stretchable electronics. The developments provide a promising approach to improving the self-healing capability of compliant conductors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Li
- College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing210093, China
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing210023, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, Nanjing University, Nanjing210023, China
| | - Ting Fang
- College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing210093, China
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing210023, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, Nanjing University, Nanjing210023, China
| | - Jiaxue Zhang
- College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing210093, China
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing210023, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, Nanjing University, Nanjing210023, China
| | - Hangyu Zhu
- College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing210093, China
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing210023, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, Nanjing University, Nanjing210023, China
| | - Yuping Sun
- College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing210093, China
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing210023, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, Nanjing University, Nanjing210023, China
| | - Shaolei Wang
- College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing210093, China
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing210023, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, Nanjing University, Nanjing210023, China
| | - Yanqing Lu
- College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing210093, China
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and Manipulation, Nanjing University, Nanjing210093, China
| | - Desheng Kong
- College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing210093, China
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing210023, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, Nanjing University, Nanjing210023, China
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19
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Wang S, Liu C, Liu J, Li S, Xu F, Xu D, Zhang W, Wu Y, Shang J, Liu Y, Li RW. Highly Stable Liquid Metal Conductors with Superior Electrical Stability and Tough Interface Bonding for Stretchable Electronics. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:22291-22300. [PMID: 37127569 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c03182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Ga-based liquid metal stretchable conductors have recently gained interest in flexible electronic devices such as electrodes, antennas, and sensors. It is essential to maintain electrical stability under strain or cyclic strain for reliable data acquisition and exhibit tough interfacial bonding between liquid metal and polymers to prevent performance loss and device failure. Herein, a highly stable conductor with superior electrical stability and tough interface bonding is introduced by casting curable polymers and a peeling-activated process from liquid metal particles. Based on the compensating effect of liquid metal, similar to the recharge relationship of water between rivers and lakes in nature, the conductor is not only strain-insensitive (ΔR/R0 < 10% for 100% strain) but also immune to cyclic deformation (ΔR/R0 < 7% with 5000 stretching cycles at 50% strain). Embedding liquid metal within the elastomer to create stretchable conductors effectively improves interfacial adhesion properties (the fluid-solid interfacial adhesion force increases from 0.48 to 0.62 mN/mm2). The constructed tough interface could even withstand sonication treatment. Finally, by combining strategies in material design and fabrication, an integrated array composed of vertical interconnect access and robust electrodes is fabricated, which simultaneously holds tough interfacial bonding with the upper and lower layers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengding Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- College of Materials Science and Opto-Electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Chao Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- School of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinyun Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- College of Materials Science and Opto-Electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Shiying Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- College of Materials Science and Opto-Electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Feng Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- College of Materials Science and Opto-Electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Dan Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- College of Materials Science and Opto-Electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Wuxu Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- College of Materials Science and Opto-Electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Yuanzhao Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- College of Materials Science and Opto-Electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Jie Shang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- College of Materials Science and Opto-Electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Yiwei Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- College of Materials Science and Opto-Electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Run-Wei Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- College of Materials Science and Opto-Electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
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20
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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: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [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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21
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Yang L, Wang Z, Wang H, Jin B, Meng C, Chen X, Li R, Wang H, Xin M, Zhao Z, Guo S, Wu J, Cheng H. Self-Healing, Reconfigurable, Thermal-Switching, Transformative Electronics for Health Monitoring. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2207742. [PMID: 36719993 PMCID: PMC10391699 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202207742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Soft, deformable electronic devices provide the means to monitor physiological information and health conditions for disease diagnostics. However, their practical utility is limited due to the lack of intrinsical thermal switching for mechanically transformative adaptability and self-healing capability against mechanical damages. Here, the design concepts, materials and physics, manufacturing approaches, and application opportunities of self-healing, reconfigurable, thermal-switching device platforms based on hyperbranched polymers and biphasic liquid metal are reported. The former provides excellent self-healing performance and unique tunable stiffness and adhesion regulated by temperature for the on-skin switch, whereas the latter results in liquid metal circuits with extreme stretchability (>900%) and high conductivity (3.40 × 104 S cm-1 ), as well as simple recycling capability. Triggered by the increased temperature from the skin surface, a multifunctional device platform can conveniently conform and strongly adhere to the hierarchically textured skin surface for non-invasive, continuous, comfortable health monitoring. Additionally, the self-healing and adhesive characteristics allow multiple multifunctional circuit components to assemble and completely wrap on 3D curvilinear surfaces. Together, the design, manufacturing, and proof-of-concept demonstration of the self-healing, transformative, and self-assembled electronics open up new opportunities for robust soft deformable devices, smart robotics, prosthetics, and Internet-of-Things, and human-machine interfaces on irregular surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reliability and Intelligence of Electrical Equipment, School of Health Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China
| | - Zihan Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Reliability and Intelligence of Electrical Equipment, Hebei Key Laboratory of Smart Sensing and Human-Robot Interaction, School of Mechanical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China
| | - Hao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Material Engineering, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Biqiang Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Material Engineering, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Chuizhou Meng
- State Key Laboratory for Reliability and Intelligence of Electrical Equipment, Hebei Key Laboratory of Smart Sensing and Human-Robot Interaction, School of Mechanical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China
| | - Xue Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reliability and Intelligence of Electrical Equipment, Key Laboratory of Bioelectromagnetics and Neuroengineering of Hebei Province, School of Electrical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China
| | - Runze Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reliability and Intelligence of Electrical Equipment, Key Laboratory of Bioelectromagnetics and Neuroengineering of Hebei Province, School of Electrical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China
| | - He Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Material Engineering, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Mingyang Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Reliability and Intelligence of Electrical Equipment, School of Health Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China
| | - Zeshang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Reliability and Intelligence of Electrical Equipment, Hebei Key Laboratory of Smart Sensing and Human-Robot Interaction, School of Mechanical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China
| | - Shijie Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Reliability and Intelligence of Electrical Equipment, Hebei Key Laboratory of Smart Sensing and Human-Robot Interaction, School of Mechanical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China
| | - Jinrong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Material Engineering, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Huanyu Cheng
- Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802, USA
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22
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Yu K, He T. Silver-Nanowire-Based Elastic Conductors: Preparation Processes and Substrate Adhesion. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15061545. [PMID: 36987325 PMCID: PMC10058989 DOI: 10.3390/polym15061545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The production of flexible electronic systems includes stretchable electrical interconnections and flexible electronic components, promoting the research and development of flexible conductors and stretchable conductive materials with large bending deformation or torsion resistance. Silver nanowires have the advantages of high conductivity, good transparency and flexibility in the development of flexible electronic products. In order to further prepare system-level flexible systems (such as autonomous full-software robots, etc.), it is necessary to focus on the conductivity of the system's composite conductor and the robustness of the system at the physical level. In terms of conductor preparation processes and substrate adhesion strategies, the more commonly used solutions are selected. Four kinds of elastic preparation processes (pretensioned/geometrically topological matrix, conductive fiber, aerogel composite, mixed percolation dopant) and five kinds of processes (coating, embedding, changing surface energy, chemical bond and force, adjusting tension and diffusion) to enhance the adhesion of composite conductors using silver nanowires as current-carrying channel substrates were reviewed. It is recommended to use the preparation process of mixed percolation doping and the adhesion mode of embedding/chemical bonding under non-special conditions. Developments in 3D printing and soft robots are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Yu
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Tian He
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
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23
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Cai S, Ghasemian MB, Rahim MA, Baharfar M, Yang J, Tang J, Kalantar-Zadeh K, Allioux FM. Formation of inorganic liquid gallium particle-manganese oxide composites. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:4291-4300. [PMID: 36745406 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr06384k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Gallium (Ga) is a low melting point post-transition metal that, under mild mechanical agitation, can form micron and submicron-sized particles with combined fluid-like and metallic properties. In this work, an inorganic network of Ga liquid metal particles was synthesised via spontaneous formation of manganese (Mn) oxide species on their liquid metallic surfaces forming an all-inorganic composite. The micron-sized Ga particles formed by sonication were connected together by Mn oxide nanostructures spontaneously established from the reduction of a Mn salt in aqueous solution slightly above the melting point of Ga. The formed Mn oxide nanostructures were found to coalesce from the surface of the Ga particles into a continuous inorganic network. The morphology of the composites could be altered by varying the Mn salt concentration and by performing post-treatment annealing. The composites presented a shell of various Mn oxide nanostructures including wrinkled sheets, rods and nanoneedles, around spherical liquid Ga particles, and a liquid metal core. The photoelectric and optical properties of the composites were thoroughly characterised, which revealed decreasing bandgaps and valence band edge characteristics as a function of increased Mn oxide coverage. The photoluminescence properties of the composites could be also engineered by increasing the Mn oxide coverage. The all-inorganic liquid Ga composite could be formed via a straightforward reduction reaction of a Mn-rich salt at the surface of liquid Ga particles with tunable surface properties for future optoelectronic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengxiang Cai
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Mohammad B Ghasemian
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.
| | - Md Arifur Rahim
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.
| | - Mahroo Baharfar
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Jiong Yang
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Jianbo Tang
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Kourosh Kalantar-Zadeh
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.
| | - Francois-Marie Allioux
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.
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24
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Zhao R, Kang S, Wu C, Cheng Z, Xie Z, Liu Y, Zhang D. Designable Electrical/Thermal Coordinated Dual-Regulation Based on Liquid Metal Shape Memory Polymer Foam for Smart Switch. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2205428. [PMID: 36658714 PMCID: PMC10015848 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202205428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Electronic components with tunable resistance, especially with synergistic regulation of thermal conductivity, play important roles in the fields of electronics, smart switch, soft robots, and so on. However, it is still a challenge to get the material with various resistance and thermal conductivity stably without lasting external force. Herein, a liquid metal shape memory polymer foam (LM-SMF) is developed by loading electrically and thermally conductive liquid metal (LM) on deformable foam skeleton. Based on thermal response shape memory effect, the foam skeleton can be reversibly pressed, the process of which enables LM to transfer between connected and disconnected states. As a result, obtained LM-SMF shows that the resistance stably changes from 0.8 Ω (conductor) to 200 MΩ (insulator), and the thermal conductivity difference is up to 4.71 times (0.108 to 0.509 W m-1 K-1 ), which indicates that LM-SMF can achieve the electrical and thermal dual-regulation. Moreover, LM-SMF can be used as a designable self-feedback/-warning integrated smart switch or tunable infrared stealth switch. This work proposes a novel strategy to get the material with electrical-thermal coordinated dual-regulation, which is possibly applied in intelligent heating system with real-time monitoring function, electrothermal sensor in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoxi Zhao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringHarbin Institute of TechnologyHarbin150001P. R. China
| | - Sibo Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine CoatingMarine Chemical Research Institute Co., Ltd.Qingdao266071P. R. China
| | - Chao Wu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringHarbin Institute of TechnologyHarbin150001P. R. China
| | - Zhongjun Cheng
- School of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringHarbin Institute of TechnologyHarbin150001P. R. China
| | - Zhimin Xie
- National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Advanced Composites in Special EnvironmentsHarbin Institute of TechnologyHarbin150080P. R. China
| | - Yuyan Liu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringHarbin Institute of TechnologyHarbin150001P. R. China
| | - Dongjie Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringHarbin Institute of TechnologyHarbin150001P. R. China
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25
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Kim M, Lim H, Ko SH. Liquid Metal Patterning and Unique Properties for Next-Generation Soft Electronics. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2205795. [PMID: 36642850 PMCID: PMC9951389 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202205795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Room-temperature liquid metal (LM)-based electronics is expected to bring advancements in future soft electronics owing to its conductivity, conformability, stretchability, and biocompatibility. However, various difficulties arise when patterning LM because of its rheological features such as fluidity and surface tension. Numerous attempts are made to overcome these difficulties, resulting in various LM-patterning methods. An appropriate choice of patterning method based on comprehensive understanding is necessary to fully utilize the unique properties. Therefore, the authors aim to provide thorough knowledge about patterning methods and unique properties for LM-based future soft electronics. First, essential considerations for LM-patterning are investigated. Then, LM-patterning methods-serial-patterning, parallel-patterning, intermetallic bond-assisted patterning, and molding/microfluidic injection-are categorized and investigated. Finally, perspectives on LM-based soft electronics with unique properties are provided. They include outstanding features of LM such as conformability, biocompatibility, permeability, restorability, and recyclability. Also, they include perspectives on future LM-based soft electronics in various areas such as radio frequency electronics, soft robots, and heterogeneous catalyst. LM-based soft devices are expected to permeate the daily lives if patterning methods and the aforementioned features are analyzed and utilized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minwoo Kim
- Applied Nano and Thermal Science LabDepartment of Mechanical EngineeringSeoul National University1 Gwanak‐ro, Gwanak‐guSeoul08826South Korea
| | - Hyungjun Lim
- Applied Nano and Thermal Science LabDepartment of Mechanical EngineeringSeoul National University1 Gwanak‐ro, Gwanak‐guSeoul08826South Korea
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringPohang University of Science and Technology77 Chungam‐ro, Nam‐guPohang37673South Korea
| | - Seung Hwan Ko
- Applied Nano and Thermal Science LabDepartment of Mechanical EngineeringSeoul National University1 Gwanak‐ro, Gwanak‐guSeoul08826South Korea
- Institute of Advanced Machinery and Design/Institute of Engineering ResearchSeoul National University1 Gwanak‐ro, Gwanak‐guSeoul08826South Korea
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26
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Chen S, Fan S, Qi J, Xiong Z, Qiao Z, Wu Z, Yeo JC, Lim CT. Ultrahigh Strain-Insensitive Integrated Hybrid Electronics Using Highly Stretchable Bilayer Liquid Metal Based Conductor. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2208569. [PMID: 36353902 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202208569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Human-interfaced electronic systems require strain-resilient circuits. However, present integrated stretchable electronics easily suffer from electrical deterioration and face challenges in forming robust multilayered soft-rigid hybrid configurations. Here, a bilayer liquid-solid conductor (b-LSC) with amphiphilic properties is introduced to reliably interface with both rigid electronics and elastomeric substrates. The top liquid metal can self-solder its interface with rigid electronics at a resistance 30% lower than the traditional tin-soldered rigid interface. The bottom polar composite comprising liquid metal particles and polymers can not only reliably interface with elastomers but also help the b-LSC heal after breakage. The b-LSC can be scalably fabricated by printing and subsequent peeling strategies, showing ultra-high strain-insensitive conductivity (maximum 22 532 S cm-1 ), extreme stretchability (2260%), and negligible resistance change under ultra-high strain (0.34 times increase under 1000% strain). It can act as stretchable vertical interconnect access for connecting multilayered layouts and can be scalably and universally fabricated on various substrates with a resolution of ≈200 µm. It is demonstrated that it can construct stretchable sensor arrays, multi-layered stretchable displays, highly integrated haptic user-interactive optoelectric E-skins, visualized heaters, robot touch sensing systems, and wireless powering for wearable electronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuwen Chen
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology (iHealthtech), National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119276, Singapore
| | - Shicheng Fan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Jiaming Qi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Ze Xiong
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology (iHealthtech), National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119276, Singapore
| | - Zheng Qiao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Zixiong Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Joo Chuan Yeo
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology (iHealthtech), National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119276, Singapore
| | - Chwee Teck Lim
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology (iHealthtech), National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119276, Singapore
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117411, Singapore
- Institute for Functional Intelligent Materials, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117544, Singapore
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27
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Mousavi M, Mittal U, Ghasemian MB, Baharfar M, Tang J, Yao Y, Merhebi S, Zhang C, Sharma N, Kalantar-Zadeh K, Mayyas M. Liquid Metal-Templated Tin-Doped Tellurium Films for Flexible Asymmetric Pseudocapacitors. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:51519-51530. [PMID: 36322105 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c15131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Liquid metals can be surface activated to generate a controlled galvanic potential by immersing them in aqueous solutions. This creates energized liquid-liquid interfaces that can promote interfacial chemical reactions. Here we utilize this interfacial phenomenon of liquid metals to deposit thin films of tin-doped tellurium onto rigid and flexible substrates. This is accomplished by exposing liquid metals to a precursor solution of Sn2+ and HTeO2+ ions. The ability to paint liquid metals onto substrates enables us to fabricate supercapacitor electrodes of liquid metal films with an intimately connected surface layer of tin-doped tellurium. The tin-doped tellurium exhibits a pseudocapacitive behavior in 1.0 M Na2SO4 electrolyte and records a specific capacitance of 184.06 F·g-1 (5.74 mF·cm-2) at a scan rate of 10 mV·s-1. Flexible supercapacitor electrodes are also fabricated by painting liquid metals onto polypropylene sheets and subsequently depositing tin-doped tellurium thin films. These flexible electrodes show outstanding mechanical stability even when experiencing a complete 180° bend as well as exhibit high power and energy densities of 160 W·cm-3 and 31 mWh·cm-3, respectively. Overall, this study demonstrates the attractive features of liquid metals in creating energy storage devices and exemplifies their use as media for synthesizing electrochemically active materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maedehsadat Mousavi
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney2052, Australia
| | - Uttam Mittal
- School of Chemistry, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales2052, Australia
| | - Mohammad B Ghasemian
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney2052, Australia
| | - Mahroo Baharfar
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney2052, Australia
| | - Jianbo Tang
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney2052, Australia
| | - Yin Yao
- Electron Microscope Unit, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney Campus, Sydney, New South Wales2052, Australia
| | - Salma Merhebi
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney2052, Australia
| | - Chengchen Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney2052, Australia
| | - Neeraj Sharma
- School of Chemistry, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales2052, Australia
| | - Kourosh Kalantar-Zadeh
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney2052, Australia
| | - Mohannad Mayyas
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney2052, Australia
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28
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Lee W, Kim H, Kang I, Park H, Jung J, Lee H, Park H, Park JS, Yuk JM, Ryu S, Jeong JW, Kang J. Universal assembly of liquid metal particles in polymers enables elastic printed circuit board. Science 2022; 378:637-641. [DOI: 10.1126/science.abo6631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
An elastic printed circuit board (E-PCB) is a conductive framework used for the facile assembly of system-level stretchable electronics. E-PCBs require elastic conductors that have high conductivity, high stretchability, tough adhesion to various components, and imperceptible resistance changes even under large strain. We present a liquid metal particle network (LMP
Net
) assembled by applying an acoustic field to a solid-state insulating liquid metal particle composite as the elastic conductor. The LMP
Net
conductor satisfies all the aforementioned requirements and enables the fabrication of a multilayered high-density E-PCB, in which numerous electronic components are intimately integrated to create highly stretchable skin electronics. Furthermore, we could generate the LMP
Net
in various polymer matrices, including hydrogels, self-healing elastomers, and photoresists, thus showing their potential for use in soft electronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wonbeom Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunjun Kim
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Inho Kang
- School of Electrical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Hongjun Park
- Center for Nanomaterials and Chemical Reactions, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyoung Jung
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Haeseung Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunchang Park
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Su Park
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Min Yuk
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghwa Ryu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Woong Jeong
- School of Electrical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiheong Kang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
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29
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Liquid metals: Preparation, surface engineering, and biomedical applications. Coord Chem Rev 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2022.214731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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30
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Crater ER, Tutika R, Moore RB, Bartlett MD. X-ray scattering as an effective tool for characterizing liquid metal composite morphology. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:7762-7772. [PMID: 36205260 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm00796g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Quantitative analysis of particle size and size distribution is crucial in establishing structure-property relationships of composite materials. An emerging soft composite architecture involves dispersing droplets of liquid metal throughout an elastomer, enabling synergistic properties of metals and soft polymers. The structure of these materials is typically characterized through real-space microscopy and image analysis; however, these techniques rely on magnified images that may not represent the global-averaged size and distribution of the droplets. In this study, we utilize ultra-small angle X-ray scattering (USAXS) as a reciprocal-space characterization technique that yields global-averaged dimensions of eutectic gallium indium (EGaIn) alloy soft composites. The Unified fit and Monte Carlo scattering methods are applied to determine the particle size and size distributions of the liquid metal droplets in the composites and are shown to be in excellent agreement with results from real-space image analysis. Additionally, all methods indicate that the droplets are getting larger as they are introduced into composites, suggesting that the droplets are agglomerating or possibly coalescing during dispersion. This work demonstrates the viability of X-ray scattering to elucidate structural information about liquid metal droplets for material development for applications in soft robotics, soft electronics, and multifunctional materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin R Crater
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Macromolecules Innovation Institute (MII), Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Ravi Tutika
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Soft Materials and Structures Lab, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
- Macromolecules Innovation Institute (MII), Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Robert B Moore
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Macromolecules Innovation Institute (MII), Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Michael D Bartlett
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Soft Materials and Structures Lab, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
- Macromolecules Innovation Institute (MII), Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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31
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Wu Y, Han T, Huang X, Lin X, Hu Y, Chen Z, Liu J. A Ga-Sn liquid alloy-encapsulated self-healing microcapsule as high-performance Li-ion battery anode. J Electroanal Chem (Lausanne) 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jelechem.2022.116789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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32
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Duan L, Zhang Y, Zhao J, Zhang J, Li Q, Lu Q, Fu L, Liu J, Liu Q. New Strategy and Excellent Fluorescence Property of Unique Core-Shell Structure Based on Liquid Metals/Metal Halides. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2204056. [PMID: 36101903 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202204056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The further applications of liquid metals (LMs) are limited by their common shortcoming of silver-white physical appearance, which deviates from the impose stringent requirements for color and aesthetics. Herein, a concept is proposed for constructing fluorescent core-shell structures based on the components and properties of LMs, and metal halides. The metal halides endow LMs with polychromatic and stable fluorescence characteristics. As a proof-of-concept, LMs-Al obtained by mixing of LMs with aluminum (Al) is reported. The surface of LMs-Al is transformed directly from Al to a multi-phase metal halide of K3 AlCl6 with double perovskites structure, via redox reactions with KCl + HCl solution in a natural environment. The formation of core-shell structure from the K3 AlCl6 and LMs is achieved, and the shell with different phases can emit a cyan light by the superimposition of the polychromatic spectrum. Furthermore, the LMs can be directly converted into a fluorescent shell without affecting their original features. In particular, the luminescence properties of shells can be regulated by the components in LMs. This study provides a new direction for research in spontaneous interfacial modification and fluorescent functionalization of LMs and promises potential applications, such as lighting and displays, anti-counterfeiting measures, sensing, and chameleon robots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangfei Duan
- Yunnan Key Laboratory for Micro/Nano Materials & Technology, International Joint Research Center for Optoelectronic and Energy Materials, School of Materials and Energy, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
| | - Yumin Zhang
- Yunnan Key Laboratory for Micro/Nano Materials & Technology, International Joint Research Center for Optoelectronic and Energy Materials, School of Materials and Energy, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
| | - Jianhong Zhao
- Yunnan Key Laboratory for Micro/Nano Materials & Technology, International Joint Research Center for Optoelectronic and Energy Materials, School of Materials and Energy, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Yunnan Key Laboratory for Micro/Nano Materials & Technology, International Joint Research Center for Optoelectronic and Energy Materials, School of Materials and Energy, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
| | - Qian Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Cryogenics and Beijing Key Laboratory of Cryo- Biomedical Engineering, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Qingjie Lu
- Yunnan Key Laboratory for Micro/Nano Materials & Technology, International Joint Research Center for Optoelectronic and Energy Materials, School of Materials and Energy, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
| | - Li Fu
- Yunnan Key Laboratory for Micro/Nano Materials & Technology, International Joint Research Center for Optoelectronic and Energy Materials, School of Materials and Energy, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
| | - Jing Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Cryogenics and Beijing Key Laboratory of Cryo- Biomedical Engineering, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering School of Medicine Tsinghua University Beijing, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Qingju Liu
- Yunnan Key Laboratory for Micro/Nano Materials & Technology, International Joint Research Center for Optoelectronic and Energy Materials, School of Materials and Energy, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
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33
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Wang L, Lai R, Zhang L, Zeng M, Fu L. Emerging Liquid Metal Biomaterials: From Design to Application. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2201956. [PMID: 35545821 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202201956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Liquid metals (LMs) as emerging biomaterials possess unique advantages including their favorable biosafety, high fluidity, and excellent electrical and thermal conductivities, thus providing a unique platform for a wide range of biomedical applications ranging from drug delivery, tumor therapy, and bioimaging to biosensors. The structural design and functionalization of LMs endow them with enhanced functions such as enhanced targeting ability and stimuli responsiveness, enabling them to achieve better and even multifunctional synergistic therapeutic effects. Herein, the advantages of LMs in biomedicine are presented. The design of LM-based biomaterials with different scales ranging from micro-/nanoscale to macroscale and various components is explored in-depth to promote the understanding of structure-property relationships, guiding their performance optimization and applications. Furthermore, the related advanced progress in the development of LM-based biomaterials in biomedicine is summarized. Current challenges and prospects of LMs in the biomedical field are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyang Wang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Runze Lai
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Lichen Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Mengqi Zeng
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Lei Fu
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
- Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 410013, China
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34
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Li BM, Reese BL, Ingram K, Huddleston ME, Jenkins M, Zaets A, Reuter M, Grogg MW, Nelson MT, Zhou Y, Ju B, Sennik B, Farrell ZJ, Jur JS, Tabor CE. Textile-Integrated Liquid Metal Electrodes for Electrophysiological Monitoring. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2200745. [PMID: 35734914 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202200745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Next generation textile-based wearable sensing systems will require flexibility and strength to maintain capabilities over a wide range of deformations. However, current material sets used for textile-based skin contacting electrodes lack these key properties, which hinder applications such as electrophysiological sensing. In this work, a facile spray coating approach to integrate liquid metal nanoparticle systems into textile form factors for conformal, flexible, and robust electrodes is presented. The liquid metal system employs functionalized liquid metal nanoparticles that provide a simple "peel-off to activate" means of imparting conductivity. The spray coating approach combined with the functionalized liquid metal system enables the creation of long-term reusable textile-integrated liquid metal electrodes (TILEs). Although the TILEs are dry electrodes by nature, they show equal skin-electrode impedances and sensing capabilities with improved wearability compared to commercial wet electrodes. Biocompatibility of TILEs in an in vivo skin environment is demonstrated, while providing improved sensing performance compared to previously reported textile-based dry electrodes. The "spray on dry-behave like wet" characteristics of TILEs opens opportunities for textile-based wearable health monitoring, haptics, and augmented/virtual reality applications that require the use of flexible and conformable dry electrodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Braden M Li
- Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA.,Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH, 45433, USA.,Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Human Systems Division, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH, 45433, USA
| | - Brandon L Reese
- Department of Physics, Miami University, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA.,UES Inc, Dayton, OH, 45432, USA
| | - Katherine Ingram
- Air Force Research Laboratory, 711th Human Performance Wing, Airman Systems Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH, 45433, USA
| | - Mary E Huddleston
- Air Force Research Laboratory, 711th Human Performance Wing, Airman Systems Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH, 45433, USA
| | - Meghan Jenkins
- Air Force Research Laboratory, 711th Human Performance Wing, Airman Systems Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH, 45433, USA
| | - Allison Zaets
- Air Force Research Laboratory, 711th Human Performance Wing, Airman Systems Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH, 45433, USA
| | - Matthew Reuter
- Air Force Research Laboratory, 711th Human Performance Wing, Airman Systems Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH, 45433, USA
| | - Matthew W Grogg
- Air Force Research Laboratory, 711th Human Performance Wing, Airman Systems Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH, 45433, USA
| | - M Tyler Nelson
- Air Force Research Laboratory, 711th Human Performance Wing, Airman Systems Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH, 45433, USA
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA
| | - Beomjun Ju
- Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA
| | - Busra Sennik
- Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA
| | - Zachary J Farrell
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH, 45433, USA.,UES Inc, Dayton, OH, 45432, USA
| | - Jesse S Jur
- Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA
| | - Christopher E Tabor
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH, 45433, USA
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35
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Huang C, Wang X, Cao Q, Zhang D, Ding S, Xie H, Jiang JZ. Soft and Stretchable Liquid Metal-Elastomer Composite for Wearable Electronics. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:38196-38204. [PMID: 35951545 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c10025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Soft devices, especially capacitive stress (or strain) sensors, are important for applications, including wearable medical monitoring, electronic skin, and soft robotics. The incorporation of liquid metal particles (LMPs) into highly deformable elastomers as inclusions ameliorates the mechanical compliance caused by a rigid filler. The high dielectric constant and liquid feature of LMPs are suitable for soft sensors with high sensitivity and a large real-time dynamic detection range. Here, a class of LM-elastomer composites are introduced with elastic and high dielectric properties, making them uniquely suitable for the application of soft stress sensors. The prepared stretchable soft stress sensor can detect the bending degree of the finger, monitor physiological signals in real time, and distinguish the vibration from the pronunciation of different letters. The nanoscale X-ray computational tomography (nano-CT) measurements indeed detect the changes of LMPs under stress, i.e., LMPs in the matrix distribute from uneven to relatively uniform, agglomerate, and even connect each other to have a conduction path in the composition with high LMP contents, which cause the changes in the physical properties of devices under operation. The cognition of LMP changes in composites under stress is instructive for promoting their further applications in the field of soft devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- ChengHao Huang
- International Center for New-Structured Materials (ICNSM), State Key Laboratory of Silicon Materials, and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, P. R. China
| | - XiaoDong Wang
- International Center for New-Structured Materials (ICNSM), State Key Laboratory of Silicon Materials, and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, P. R. China
| | - Qingping Cao
- International Center for New-Structured Materials (ICNSM), State Key Laboratory of Silicon Materials, and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, P. R. China
| | - Dongxian Zhang
- International Center for New-Structured Materials (ICNSM), State Key Laboratory of Silicon Materials, and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Modern Optical Instrumentation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, P. R. China
| | - Shaoqing Ding
- International Center for New-Structured Materials (ICNSM), State Key Laboratory of Silicon Materials, and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, P. R. China
| | - Honglan Xie
- Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
| | - Jian-Zhong Jiang
- International Center for New-Structured Materials (ICNSM), State Key Laboratory of Silicon Materials, and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, P. R. China
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36
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Wang Q, Ji X, Liu X, Liu Y, Liang J. Viscoelastic Metal-in-Water Emulsion Gel via Host-Guest Bridging for Printed and Strain-Activated Stretchable Electrodes. ACS NANO 2022; 16:12677-12685. [PMID: 35926219 PMCID: PMC9413406 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c04299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Stretchable conductive electrodes that can be made by printing technology with high resolution is desired for preparing wearable electronics. Printable inks composed of liquid metals are ideal candidates for these applications, but their practical applications are limited by their low stability, poor printability, and low conductivity. Here, thixotropic metal-in-water (M/W) emulsion gels (MWEGs) were designed and developed by stabilizing and bridging liquid metal droplets (LMDs) via a host-guest polymer. In the MWEGs, the hydrophilic main chain of the host-guest polymers emulsified and stabilized LMDs via coordination bonds. The grafted cyclodextrin and adamantane groups formed dynamic inclusion complexes to bridge two neighboring LMDs, leading to the formation of a dynamically cross-linked network of LMDs in the aqueous phase. The MWEGs exhibited viscoelastic and shear-thinning behavior, making them ideal for direct three-dimensional (3D) and screen printing with a high resolution (∼65 μm) to assemble complex patterns consisting of ∼95 wt % liquid metal. When stretching the printed patterns, strong host-guest interactions guaranteed that the entire droplet network was cross-linked, while the brittle oxide shell of the droplets ruptured, releasing the liquid metal core and allowing it to fuse into continuous conductive pathways under an ultralow critical strain (<1.5%). This strain-activated conductivity exceeded 15800 S/cm under a large strain of 800% and exhibited long-term cyclic stability and robustness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wang
- School
of Materials Science and Engineering, National Institute for Advanced
Materials, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, P.R. China
| | - Xinyi Ji
- School
of Materials Science and Engineering, National Institute for Advanced
Materials, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, P.R. China
| | - Xue Liu
- School
of Materials Science and Engineering, National Institute for Advanced
Materials, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, P.R. China
| | - Yang Liu
- School
of Materials Science and Engineering, National Institute for Advanced
Materials, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, P.R. China
- College
of Light Industry Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, P.R. China
| | - Jiajie Liang
- School
of Materials Science and Engineering, National Institute for Advanced
Materials, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, P.R. China
- Key
Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education,
College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, P.R. China
- Tianjin
Key Laboratory of Metal and Molecule-Based Material Chemistry and
Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering
(Tianjin), Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, P.R. China
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37
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Influence of microstructural alterations of liquid metal and its interfacial interactions with rubber on multifunctional properties of soft composite materials. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2022; 308:102752. [PMID: 36007286 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2022.102752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Liquid metal (LM)-based polymer composites are currently new breakthrough and emerging classes of soft multifunctional materials (SMMs) having immense transformative potential for soft technological applications. Currently, room-temperature LMs, mostly eutectic gallium‑indium and Galinstan alloys are used to integrate with soft polymer due to their outstanding properties such as high conductivity, fluidity, low adhesion, high surface tension, low cytotoxicity, etc. The microstructural alterations and interfacial interactions controlling the efficient integration of LMs with rubber are the most critical aspects for successful implementation of multifunctionality in the resulting material. In this review article, a fundamental understanding of microstructural alterations of LMs to the formation of well-defined percolating networks inside an insulating rubber matrix has been established by exploiting several existing theoretical and experimental studies. Furthermore, effects of the chemical modifications of an LM surface and its interfacial interactions on the compatibility between solid rubber and fluid filler phase have been discussed. The presence of thin oxide layer on the LM surface and the effects and challenges it poses to the adequate functionalization of these materials have been discussed. Plausible applications of SMMs in different soft matter technologies, like soft robotics, flexible electronics, soft actuators, sensors, etc. have been provided. Finally, the current technical challenges and further prospective to the development of SMMs using non‑silicone rubbers have been critically discussed. This review is anticipated to infuse a new impetus to the associated research communities for the development of next generation SMMs.
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38
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Lee GH, Woo H, Yoon C, Yang C, Bae JY, Kim W, Lee DH, Kang H, Han S, Kang SK, Park S, Kim HR, Jeong JW, Park S. A Personalized Electronic Tattoo for Healthcare Realized by On-the-Spot Assembly of an Intrinsically Conductive and Durable Liquid-Metal Composite. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2204159. [PMID: 35702762 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202204159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Conventional electronic (e-) skins are a class of thin-film electronics mainly fabricated in laboratories or factories, which is incapable of rapid and simple customization for personalized healthcare. Here a new class of e-tattoos is introduced that can be directly implemented on the skin by facile one-step coating with various designs at multi-scale depending on the purpose of the user without a substrate. An e-tattoo is realized by attaching Pt-decorated carbon nanotubes on gallium-based liquid-metal particles (CMP) to impose intrinsic electrical conductivity and mechanical durability. Tuning the CMP suspension to have low-zeta potential, excellent wettability, and high-vapor pressure enables conformal and intimate assembly of particles directly on the skin in 10 s. Low-cost, ease of preparation, on-skin compatibility, and multifunctionality of CMP make it highly suitable for e-tattoos. Demonstrations of electrical muscle stimulators, photothermal patches, motion artifact-free electrophysiological sensors, and electrochemical biosensors validate the simplicity, versatility, and reliability of the e-tattoo-based approach in biomedical engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gun-Hee Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- School of Electrical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Heejin Woo
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Chanwoong Yoon
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Congqi Yang
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Young Bae
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonsik Kim
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Do Hoon Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Heemin Kang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungmin Han
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Kyun Kang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongjun Park
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- KAIST Institute for Health Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung-Ryong Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Dentistry, Jeonbuk National University, 567 Baekje-daero, Jeonju, 54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Woong Jeong
- School of Electrical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- KAIST Institute for Health Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Steve Park
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- KAIST Institute for Health Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
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Wu D, Liu D, Tian X, Lei C, Chen X, Zhang S, Chen F, Wu K, Fu Q. A Universal Mechanochemistry Allows On-Demand Synthesis of Stable and Processable Liquid Metal Composites. SMALL METHODS 2022; 6:e2200246. [PMID: 35615947 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202200246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Gallium-based liquid metal (LM) is regarded as one of the most promising candidates for the new-generation jigsaw of stretchable electronics. Nonetheless, the obstacle for the LM application lies in its high surface tension and easy fluidity which leads to great difficulty in handling and processing. Herein, a cross-mechanochemistry between liquid metal and inorganic solid, mediated via the coordination binding between the empty electronic orbits of the former and the lone electron pair of the latter is reported. The mechanism is validated via density functional theory calculation and electron energy loss spectroscopy, and experimentally proven to be universally applicable for various liquid metals and inorganic solids. With the unique mechanochemistry, simple ball milling allows on-demand transformation of the liquid metal into a low-surface-tension liquid, semi-solid paste, or even solid powder. The overcoming of the intrinsic high surface tension of the liquid metal with this approach unleashes the freedom to easily process the liquid metal composites into polymer composites or as direct molding processable paste and printable electronic ink.
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Affiliation(s)
- Die Wu
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Dingyao Liu
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hongkong, China
| | - Xinyu Tian
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hongkong, China
| | - Chuxin Lei
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Xianchun Chen
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Shiming Zhang
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hongkong, China
| | - Feng Chen
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Kai Wu
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Qiang Fu
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
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Self-Healable and Recyclable Dual-Shape Memory Liquid Metal–Elastomer Composites. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14112259. [PMID: 35683935 PMCID: PMC9182922 DOI: 10.3390/polym14112259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Liquid metal (LM)–polymer composites that combine the thermal and electrical conductivity of LMs with the shape-morphing capability of polymers are attracting a great deal of attention in the fields of reconfigurable electronics and soft robotics. However, investigation of the synergetic effect between the shape-changing properties of LMs and polymer matrices is lacking. Herein, a self-healable and recyclable dual-shape memory composite, comprising an LM (gallium) and a Diels–Alder (DA) crosslinked crystalline polyurethane (PU) elastomer, is reported. The composite exhibits a bilayer structure and achieves excellent shape programming abilities, due to the phase transitions of the LM and the crystalline PU elastomers. To demonstrate these shape-morphing abilities, a heat-triggered soft gripper, which can grasp and release objects according to the environmental temperature, is designed and built. Similarly, combining the electrical conductivity and the dual-shape memory effect of the composite, a light-controlled reconfigurable switch for a circuit is produced. In addition, due to the reversible nature of DA bonds, the composite is self-healable and recyclable. Both the LM and PU elastomer are recyclable, demonstrating the extremely high recycling efficiency (up to 96.7%) of the LM, as well as similar mechanical properties between the reprocessed elastomers and the pristine ones.
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Haake A, Tutika R, Schloer GM, Bartlett MD, Markvicka EJ. On-Demand Programming of Liquid Metal-Composite Microstructures through Direct Ink Write 3D Printing. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2200182. [PMID: 35353948 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202200182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Soft, elastically deformable composites with liquid metal (LM) droplets can enable new generations of soft electronics, robotics, and reconfigurable structures. However, techniques to control local composite microstructure, which ultimately governs material properties and performance, is lacking. Here a direct ink writing technique is developed to program the LM microstructure (i.e., shape, orientation, and connectivity) on demand throughout elastomer composites. In contrast to inks with rigid particles that have fixed shape and size, it is shown that emulsion inks with LM fillers enable in situ control of microstructure. This enables filaments, films, and 3D structures with unique LM microstructures that are generated on demand and locked in during printing. This includes smooth and discrete transitions from spherical to needle-like droplets, curvilinear microstructures, geometrically complex embedded inclusion patterns, and connected LM networks. The printed materials are soft (modulus < 200 kPa), highly deformable (>600 % strain), and can be made locally insulating or electrically conductive using a single ink by controlling the process conditions. These capabilities are demonstrated by embedding elongated LM droplets in a soft heat sink, which rapidly dissipates heat from high-power LEDs. These programmable microstructures can enable new composite paradigms for emerging technologies that demand mechanical compliance with multifunctional response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Haake
- Department of Mechanical & Materials Engineering, Smart Materials & Robotics Lab, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
| | - Ravi Tutika
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Soft Materials and Structures Lab, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA
- Macromolecules Innovation Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA
| | - Gwyneth M Schloer
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Soft Materials and Structures Lab, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA
| | - Michael D Bartlett
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Soft Materials and Structures Lab, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA
- Macromolecules Innovation Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA
| | - Eric J Markvicka
- Department of Mechanical & Materials Engineering, Smart Materials & Robotics Lab, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
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Lee Y, Lim S, Song WJ, Lee S, Yoon SJ, Park JM, Lee MG, Park YL, Sun JY. Triboresistive Touch Sensing: Grid-Free Touch-Point Recognition Based on Monolayered Ionic Power Generators. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2108586. [PMID: 35245965 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202108586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Recent growing pursuit of skin-mountable devices has been impeded by the complicated structures of most sensing systems, containing electrode grids, stacked multilayers, and even external power sources. Here, a type of touch sensing, termed "triboresistive touch sensing", is introduced for gridless touch recognition based on monolayered ionic power generators. A homogeneous monolayer, i.e., ionic poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), generates electricity based on the electric field generated by touch. Voltages generated at each corner of the ionic PDMS rely on resistance between touch points and each corner, ensuring recognition of the touch positions without the need for electrode grid layers and external power sources. With notable advantages of high transparency (96.5%), stretchability (539.1%), and resilience (99.0%) of the ionic PDMS, epidermal triboresistive sensing is demonstrated to express touch position and readily play a musical instrument. A gridless system of triboresistive sensing allows rearrangement of the touch sections according to a given situation without any physical modification, and thus easily completes consecutive missions of controlling position, orientation, and gripping functions of a robot.
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Affiliation(s)
- Younghoon Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungsoo Lim
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Jun Song
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Sudong Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Sohee John Yoon
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Man Park
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Gyu Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Lae Park
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Yun Sun
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Advanced Materials (RIAM), Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
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He Z, Jiao S, Wang Z, Wang Y, Yang M, Zhang Y, Liu Y, Wu Y, Shang J, Chen Q, Li RW. An Antifatigue Liquid Metal Composite Electrode Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite Artificial Muscle with Excellent Electromechanical Properties. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:14630-14639. [PMID: 35290011 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c01453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMC), one of the most popular materials in the field of artificial muscle research, have attracted much attention because of their high flexibility, low drive voltage (<10 V), high force density, large deformation, and so forth. However, the results show that the serious electrode fatigue crack and water loss of traditional IPMC greatly decrease its fatigue life and limit the practical application. In this study, we developed a novel liquid metal composite electrode. A layer of eutectic gallium-indium alloy (EGaIn) liquid metal was applied to the surface of the platinum electrode of the IPMC using a mask. Because of the good self-healing performance of the liquid metal, it is expected to solve the above problems of resistance increase and water loss caused by cracks. It turns out that the prepared EGaIn/Pt-IPMC exhibits a driving force up to 120 mN and maximum fatigue life of about 25,000 s at a driving voltage of 3 V. Compared with the best work reported, the fatigue strength of EGaIn/Pt-IPMC was increased by about 210%, and the maximum driving force of EGaIn/Pt-IPMC prepared by a single-layer basement membrane was between the IPMC prepared by 4-6 layer basement membrane. The electromechanical properties were significantly improved, and it is expected to realize a series of bionic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihao He
- Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, P. R. China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
| | - Shasha Jiao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
| | - Zhengping Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
| | - Yifan Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
| | - Mengyu Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
| | - Ye Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
| | - Yiwei Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
| | - Yuanzhao Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
| | - Jie Shang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, P. R. China
| | - Qingming Chen
- Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, P. R. China
| | - Run-Wei Li
- College of Materials Science and Opto-Electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
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Xu D, Cao J, Liu F, Zou S, Lei W, Wu Y, Liu Y, Shang J, Li RW. Liquid Metal Based Nano-Composites for Printable Stretchable Electronics. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:2516. [PMID: 35408131 PMCID: PMC9002646 DOI: 10.3390/s22072516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Liquid metal (LM) has attracted prominent attention for stretchable and elastic electronics applications due to its exceptional fluidity and conductivity at room temperature. Despite progress in this field, a great disparity remains between material fabrication and practical applications on account of the high surface tension and unavoidable oxidation of LM. Here, the composition and nanolization of liquid metal can be envisioned as effective solutions to the processibility-performance dilemma caused by high surface tension. This review aims to summarize the strategies for the fabrication, processing, and application of LM-based nano-composites. The intrinsic mechanism and superiority of the composition method will further extend the capabilities of printable ink. Recent applications of LM-based nano-composites in printing are also provided to guide the large-scale production of stretchable electronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China; (D.X.); (J.C.); (F.L.); (S.Z.); (W.L.); (Y.W.); (Y.L.)
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China
- College of Materials Science and Opto-Electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jinwei Cao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China; (D.X.); (J.C.); (F.L.); (S.Z.); (W.L.); (Y.W.); (Y.L.)
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China
- New Materials Institute, Department of Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Nottingham Ningbo, Ningbo 315100, China
| | - Fei Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China; (D.X.); (J.C.); (F.L.); (S.Z.); (W.L.); (Y.W.); (Y.L.)
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China
| | - Shengbo Zou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China; (D.X.); (J.C.); (F.L.); (S.Z.); (W.L.); (Y.W.); (Y.L.)
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China
| | - Wenjuan Lei
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China; (D.X.); (J.C.); (F.L.); (S.Z.); (W.L.); (Y.W.); (Y.L.)
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China
| | - Yuanzhao Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China; (D.X.); (J.C.); (F.L.); (S.Z.); (W.L.); (Y.W.); (Y.L.)
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China
| | - Yiwei Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China; (D.X.); (J.C.); (F.L.); (S.Z.); (W.L.); (Y.W.); (Y.L.)
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China
- College of Materials Science and Opto-Electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jie Shang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China; (D.X.); (J.C.); (F.L.); (S.Z.); (W.L.); (Y.W.); (Y.L.)
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China
- College of Materials Science and Opto-Electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Run-Wei Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China; (D.X.); (J.C.); (F.L.); (S.Z.); (W.L.); (Y.W.); (Y.L.)
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Application Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China
- College of Materials Science and Opto-Electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Wu P, Fu J, Xu Y, He Y. Liquid Metal Microgels for Three-Dimensional Printing of Smart Electronic Clothes. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:13458-13467. [PMID: 35258916 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c22975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Gallium-based liquid metals (LMs), with the combination of liquid fluidity and metallic conductivity, are considered ideal conductive components for flexible electronics. However, huge surface tension and poor wettability seriously hinder the patterning of LMs and their wider applications. Herein, a recyclable liquid-metal-microgel (LMM) ink composed of LM droplets encapsulated into alginate microgel shells is proposed. During the mechanical stirring process, the released Ga3+ can cross-link with sodium alginate to form microgels covering the surface of LM droplets, which exhibits shear-thinning performance due to the formation and rupture of hydrogen bonds under different stress conditions, making the LMM ink possess excellent printability and superior adhesion to various substrates. Although patterns printed with the LMM ink are not initially conductive, they can be activated to recover conductivity by microstrain (<5%), pressing, and freezing. Additionally, the activated LMM circuit exhibits superior Joule heating behaviors and electrical performance in further investigation, including excellent conductivity, significant resistance response to strain with small hysteresis, great durability to nonplanar forces, and so forth. Furthermore, smart electronic clothes were fabricated and investigated by directly printing functional circuits on commercial clothes with the LMM ink, which integrate multiple functions, including tactile sensing, motion monitoring, human-computer interaction, and thermal management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengcheng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
- Key Laboratory of 3D Printing Process and Equipment of Zhejiang Province, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Jianzhong Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
- Key Laboratory of 3D Printing Process and Equipment of Zhejiang Province, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Yuetong Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
- Key Laboratory of 3D Printing Process and Equipment of Zhejiang Province, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Yong He
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058 China
- Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Mold, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
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Jo Y, Hwang JH, Lee SS, Lee SY, Kim YS, Kim DG, Choi Y, Jeong S. Printable Self-Activated Liquid Metal Stretchable Conductors from Polyvinylpyrrolidone-Functionalized Eutectic Gallium Indium Composites. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:10747-10757. [PMID: 35099918 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c20185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Stretchable electronic circuits are critical in a variety of next-generation electronics applications, including soft robots, wearable technologies, and biomedical applications. To date, printable composite conductors comprising various types of conductive fillers have been suggested to achieve high electrical conductance and excellent stretchability. Among them, liquid metal particles have been considered as a viable candidate filler that can meet the necessary prerequisites. However, a mechanical activation process is needed to generate interconnected liquid channels inside elastomeric polymers. In this study, we have developed a chemical strategy of surface-functionalizing liquid metal particles to eliminate the necessity of additional mechanical activation processes. We found that the characteristic conformations of the polyvinylpyrrolidone surrounding eutectic gallium indium particles are highly dependent on the molecular weight of polyvinylpyrrolidone. By virtue of the specific chemical roles of polyvinylpyrrolidone, the as-printed composite layers are highly conductive and stretchable, exhibiting an electrical conductivity approaching 8372 S/cm at 100% strain and an invariant resistance change of 0.92 even at 75% strain after a 60,000 cycle test. The results demonstrate that the self-activated liquid metal-based composite conductors are applicable to traditional stretchable electronics, healable stretchable electronics, and shape-morphable applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yejin Jo
- Department of Advanced Materials Engineering for Information and Electronics, and Integrated Education Institute for Frontier Science & Technology (BK21 Four), Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, Korea
| | - Jae Hyuk Hwang
- Division of Advanced Materials, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), 141 Gajeongro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34114, Korea
| | - Sun Sook Lee
- Division of Advanced Materials, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), 141 Gajeongro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34114, Korea
| | - Su Yeon Lee
- Division of Advanced Materials, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), 141 Gajeongro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34114, Korea
| | - Yong Seok Kim
- Division of Advanced Materials, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), 141 Gajeongro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34114, Korea
| | - Dong-Gyun Kim
- Division of Advanced Materials, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), 141 Gajeongro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34114, Korea
| | - Youngmin Choi
- Division of Advanced Materials, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), 141 Gajeongro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34114, Korea
| | - Sunho Jeong
- Department of Advanced Materials Engineering for Information and Electronics, and Integrated Education Institute for Frontier Science & Technology (BK21 Four), Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, Korea
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Zeng S, Zhang M, Jiang L, Wang Z, Gu H, Xiong J, Du Y, Ren L. Wearable Piezoelectric Nanogenerators Based on Core-Shell Ga-PZT@GaO x Nanorod-Enabled P(VDF-TrFE) Composites. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:7990-8000. [PMID: 35107968 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c22877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
High-output flexible piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs) have achieved great progress and are promising applications for harvesting mechanical energy and supplying power to flexible electronics. In this work, unique core-shell structured Ga-PbZrxTi1-xO3 (PZT)@GaOx nanorods were synthesized by a simple mechanical mixing method and then were applied as fillers in a poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE)) matrix to obtain highly efficient PENGs with excellent energy-harvesting properties. The decoration of gallium nanoparticles on PZT @GaOx nanorods can amplify the local electric field, facilitate the increment of polar β-phase fraction in P(VDF-TrFE), and strengthen the polarizability of PZT and P(VDF-TrFE). The interfacial interactions of GaOx and P(VDF-TrFE) are also in favor of an increased β-phase fraction, which results in a remarkable improvement of PENG performance. The optimized Ga-PZT@GaOx/P(VDF-TrFE) PENG delivers a maximum open-circuit voltage of 98.6 V and a short-circuit current of 0.3 μA with 9.8 μW instantaneous power under a vertical force of 12 N at a frequency of 30 Hz. Such a PENG exhibits a stable output voltage after 6 000 cycles by the durability test. Moreover, the liquid gallium metal offers a mechanical matching interface between rigid PZT and the soft polymer matrix, which benefits the effective, durable mechanical energy-harvesting capability from the physical activities of elbow joint bending and walking. This research renders a deep association between a liquid metal and piezoelectric ceramics in the field of piezoelectric energy conversion, offering a promising approach toward self-powered smart wearable devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Zeng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Ferro & Piezoelectric Materials and Devices, Faculty of Physics & Electronic Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei 430062, P. R. China
| | - Mingrui Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Ferro & Piezoelectric Materials and Devices, Faculty of Physics & Electronic Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei 430062, P. R. China
| | - Lei Jiang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Ferro & Piezoelectric Materials and Devices, Faculty of Physics & Electronic Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei 430062, P. R. China
| | - Zhao Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Ferro & Piezoelectric Materials and Devices, Faculty of Physics & Electronic Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei 430062, P. R. China
| | - Haoshuang Gu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Ferro & Piezoelectric Materials and Devices, Faculty of Physics & Electronic Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei 430062, P. R. China
| | - Juan Xiong
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Ferro & Piezoelectric Materials and Devices, Faculty of Physics & Electronic Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei 430062, P. R. China
| | - Yi Du
- BUAA-UOW Joint Research Centre and School of Physics, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
| | - Long Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, P. R. China
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Allioux FM, Ghasemian MB, Xie W, O'Mullane AP, Daeneke T, Dickey MD, Kalantar-Zadeh K. Applications of liquid metals in nanotechnology. NANOSCALE HORIZONS 2022; 7:141-167. [PMID: 34982812 DOI: 10.1039/d1nh00594d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Post-transition liquid metals (LMs) offer new opportunities for accessing exciting dynamics for nanomaterials. As entities with free electrons and ions as well as fluidity, LM-based nanomaterials are fundamentally different from their solid counterparts. The low melting points of most post-transition metals (less than 330 °C) allow for the formation of nanodroplets from bulk metal melts under mild mechanical and chemical conditions. At the nanoscale, these liquid state nanodroplets simultaneously offer high electrical and thermal conductivities, tunable reactivities and useful physicochemical properties. They also offer specific alloying and dealloying conditions for the formation of multi-elemental liquid based nanoalloys or the synthesis of engineered solid nanomaterials. To date, while only a few nanosized LM materials have been investigated, extraordinary properties have been observed for such systems. Multi-elemental nanoalloys have shown controllable homogeneous or heterogeneous core and surface compositions with interfacial ordering at the nanoscale. The interactions and synergies of nanosized LMs with polymeric, inorganic and bio-materials have also resulted in new compounds. This review highlights recent progress and future directions for the synthesis and applications of post-transition LMs and their alloys. The review presents the unique properties of these LM nanodroplets for developing functional materials for electronics, sensors, catalysts, energy systems, and nanomedicine and biomedical applications, as well as other functional systems engineered at the nanoscale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francois-Marie Allioux
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Mohammad B Ghasemian
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Wanjie Xie
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Anthony P O'Mullane
- School of Chemistry and Physics, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia
| | - Torben Daeneke
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3001, Australia
| | - Michael D Dickey
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, 911 Partners Way, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Kourosh Kalantar-Zadeh
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
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Guymon GG, Malakooti MH. Multifunctional liquid metal polymer composites. JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/pol.20210867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gregory G. Guymon
- Department of Mechanical Engineering University of Washington Seattle Washington USA
- Institute for Nano‐Engineered Systems University of Washington Seattle Washington USA
| | - Mohammad H. Malakooti
- Department of Mechanical Engineering University of Washington Seattle Washington USA
- Institute for Nano‐Engineered Systems University of Washington Seattle Washington USA
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50
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Xu Y, Lin Z, Rajavel K, Zhao T, Zhu P, Hu Y, Sun R, Wong CP. Tailorable, Lightweight and Superelastic Liquid Metal Monoliths for Multifunctional Electromagnetic Interference Shielding. NANO-MICRO LETTERS 2021; 14:29. [PMID: 34902083 PMCID: PMC8669089 DOI: 10.1007/s40820-021-00766-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
A confined thermal expansion strategy to fabricate liquid metal (LM)-based monoliths with continuous LM network at ultra-low content. The results show a strong integration advantage of LM-based monoliths in density, mechanical strength, electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness, and near field shielding effectiveness, as well as multi-functions such as magnetic actuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yadong Xu
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Electronic Materials, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiqiang Lin
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Electronic Materials, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Krishnamoorthy Rajavel
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Electronic Materials, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Zhao
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Electronic Materials, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengli Zhu
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Electronic Materials, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Yougen Hu
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Electronic Materials, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China.
| | - Rong Sun
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Electronic Materials, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ching-Ping Wong
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
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