Abstract
Gallium-based liquid metals show excellent thermal and electrical conductivities with low viscosity and non-toxicity. Their melting points are either lower than or close to room temperature, which endows them with additional advantages in comparison to the solid metals; for example, they are flexible, stretchable and reformable at room temperature. Recently, great improvements have been achieved in developing multifunctional devices by using Ga-based liquid metals, including actuators, flexible circuits, bio-devices and self-healing superconductors. Here, we review recent research progress on Gallium-based liquid metals, especially on the applications aspects. These applications are mainly based on the unique properties of liquid metals, including low melting point, flexible and stretchable mechanical properties, excellent electrical and thermal conductivities and biocompatibility.
Highlights
IntroductionMetals are the most important and earth-abundant materials. Ninety-one of overall one hundred eighteen elements are metals
Gallium-based liquid metals show excellent thermal and electrical conductivities with low viscosity and non-toxicity. Their melting points are either lower than or close to room temperature, which endows them with additional advantages in comparison to the solid metals; for example, they are flexible, stretchable and reformable at room temperature
Liquid metal has been achieved great attention for a long time, Ga-based liquid metals are novel and significant materials that can be used for various applications in many industries due to their specific performance
Summary
Metals are the most important and earth-abundant materials. Ninety-one of overall one hundred eighteen elements are metals. Exceptions include francium (Fr), caesium (Cs), rubidium (Rb), mercury (Hg) and gallium (Ga), which can be defined as liquid metals Their melting points are either lower than or close to room temperature, which enable them to remain in the liquid state at room temperature [1]. It was found that the Ga-based eutectic alloys, such Ga–Indium (EGaIn), Ga–Tin (EGaSn) and Ga–In–Sn (EGaInSn, Galinstan) systems show tunable melting temperatures from −19 °C to far above room temperature, depending upon their component ratio [5,6]. These alloys show typical metallic properties in contrast to the metalloid nature of Ga, even in the liquid phase. The tunable melting temperatures of EGaIn and EGaInSn represent one of the most significant steps toward
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