Powderization of Liquid Metal and Straightforward Preparation of Polymer Hybrids

Abstract

The eutectic mixture of gallium and indium is a type of liquid metal due to its melting point below room temperature. Hence, it exhibits high electrical and thermal conductivities, fluidity and deformability. Recently, liquid metal–polymer hybrids and composites have been developed, enabling access unique electrical and thermal properties. However, there are still limited easy and robust strategies to prepare those composites due to the high surface tension of liquid metals. Herein, it has been demonstrated that surface modification of liquid metal microparticles with organic surfactants prevents the coalescence of the particles and affords powderized liquid metal microparticles. Liquid metal–polymer composites can be prepared through simple methods, such as mixing and solution processes.