Liquid Composition Research Articles

Understanding and Expanding the Prospects for Electrosynthesis with Liquid Metal Electrodes

ConspectusThis Account describes and summarizes the latest work from our laboratory on developing and maturing strategies based on low-temperature liquid metals as reaction environments for materials synthesis. The electrochemical liquid-liquid-solid (ec-LLS) crystal growth concept is a hybrid method that combines electrodeposition and melt crystal growth. Using liquid metals as both electrodes and solvents for the purpose of producing inorganic crystals and materials, a simple and environmentally friendly process is possible. The impetus is to address the key deficiency in the inorganic crystalline materials that are the basis of modern optoelectronics and renewable energy capture/conversion systems. Specifically, existing methods for synthesizing crystalline inorganic materials for these purposes are largely energy- and resource-intensive, with a substantial impact on the environment when scaled. A long-term goal of our work with ec-LLS is to realize a materials synthetic process that is matured without requiring intensive resources or negatively impacting the environment. To this end, the factors that both limit and govern ec-LLS processes must be identified and understood. To date, questions regarding the factors that affect crystal nucleation and growth, form factors, and overall composition remain.Previous work established concretely ec-LLS as a versatile method for synthesizing and producing crystalline semiconductors at low temperatures as either particles, nanowires, or microwires. Subsequent experiments have focused on two tiers. First, the microscopic details of the liquid metal and its interfaces that dictate materials synthesis and crystal growth must be identified. Second, strategies that widen the attainable material form factors to facilitate device architectures must be realized. Hence, this Account describes results aimed at answering three questions: (1) What are the consequences of reaching supersaturation by an electrochemical rather than a thermal driving force for crystal growth in ec-LLS? (2) Can the location of nucleation and subsequent crystal growth be controlled? (3) Does the atomic structure of the liquid metal affect product formation in ec-LLS? The science described herein illustrates the value of in situ methods spanning transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray reflectance for revealing the role that liquid metal composition and structure can play in ec-LLS. Additionally, we summarize work that shows for the first time that it is possible to produce both single-crystalline epitaxial films and complex intermetallic compounds through ec-LLS by tuning the cell design, electrochemical excitation waveform, and composition of the liquid metal electrodes.The cumulative findings described here substantially enrich our understanding of the ec-LLS concept while simultaneously motivating further questions moving forward. Is it possible to attain complete control over the crystalline quality and composition of ec-LLS products? Can the materials produced by ec-LLS provide tailored functional properties for targeted applications? Can the ec-LLS strategy be further refined to allow material synthesis and deposition at precise locations with deterministically chosen form factors? What synthetic pathways are accessible when even more sophisticated electrochemical waveforms and cell designs are used? Our hope is that this Account will spur additional researchers to help answer such questions.

Volatility effect on internal flow and contact line behavior during evaporation of binary mixture droplets

Selective evaporation of binary mixture droplets (BMDs), a phenomenon in which the more volatile components preferentially evaporate, affects contact line behavior, the total evaporation time, and internal flows, such as the solutal Marangoni flow. The surface tension gradient on a BMD is related to the local concentration of its constituents. We analyzed the dependence of the internal flow and contact line behavior on the relative volatilities of the components of ethanol–water and ethylene glycol–water BMDs. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) and shadowgraph methods were simultaneously used to measure the internal flow field and contact line behavior for a BMD, respectively. The results showed that the volatility properties of BMDs affect nonmonotonic contact line behavior during evaporation. Furthermore, the selective evaporation of a highly volatile component of BMDs results in vorticities, and internal circulation flow directions depend on the liquid composition. The averaged absolute vorticity was used to distinguish different stages of internal flow transitions of BMDs.

Appraising the late-stage magmatic fO2 of diabasic angrites with a novel phase equilibrium approach. Implications for new and existing models of angrite petrogenesis

One of the enduring problems in angrite petrogenesis is how to reconcile the extraordinary Fe-rich compositions of many angritic liquids – which seemingly require modestly oxidized fO2 conditions that fall outside the stability field of Fe-Ni alloys during primordial melting – with the geochemical and paleomagnetic evidence that the angrite parent body contains a small metallic Fe-Ni-S-C core. One of the major impediments to resolving these contradictions stems from a distinct lack of rigorous fO2 data for the angrite meteorite clan. To begin addressing this issue, we have developed a new approach for calculating magmatic fO2 values directly from the late-stage olivine-ulvöspinel- silicate liquid assemblages that are common in the volcanic or hypabyssal angrites. The adaptation of the olivine-spinel-aSiO2liq oxybarometer for use in angrites requires a careful assessment of aSiO2liq of angritic liquids. We apply the results of metal saturated angrite crystallization experiments and an analysis of the Ca-Tschermak’s-anorthite-aSiO2liq equilibrium to obtain estimates for the aSiO2liq values of angritic magmas. We then use the aSiO2liq estimates derived from the experiments and thermodynamic analysis in conjunction with the olivine-spinel-aSiO2liq oxybarometer to calculate the magmatic fO2 of Sahara 99555, D’Orbigny, and Northwest Africa 12004. With this approach we estimate oxygen fugacity values that range from ΔIW + 0 to ΔIW + 0.25. The relatively reducing fO2 values obtained from our analysis are inconsistent with redox conditions required by the oxidized melting hypothesis. Some caution is warranted in extrapolating these late-stage magmatic fO2 values to higher temperatures; however, we stress that fractionated silicate liquids typically become more oxidized with increasing crystallization via auto-oxidation (i.e., the accumulation of incompatible ferric iron in the liquid). Therefore, we suggest that late stage magmatic fO2 values from our calculations may represent the most oxidized conditions along the angrite liquid line of descent. If this interpretation is correct, a large-scale oxidation event on the APB need not be invoked to reconcile mildly reducing conditions (ΔIW−1.35) thought to have prevailed during core formation with the magmatic fO2 record preserved in angritic meteorites. Future redox studies of compositionally primitive angrites (e.g., Northwest Africa 12774) may shed new light on the redox relationships among primitive angrite magmas, evolved angrite magmas, and core forming alloys.

Role of levulinic acid in catalytic wet torrefaction of oil palm trunks: Insights into the hydrochar physicochemical properties, liquid phase composition, and reaction mechanisms

This study evaluates the effects of levulinic acid addition and different operating conditions on the physicochemical and structural properties of the resultant OPT hydrochar as well as on the liquid phase composition to identify its potential reaction pathway during wet torrefaction. The addition of levulinic acid enhances the solid yield and HHV of the hydrochar and promote repolymerisation and condensation reactions for the formation of secondary char with high HHV. The highest energy yield of 66.47% was attained from the OPT hydrochar wet torrefied at 220 °C for 24 h with 1.0 M of levulinic acid. Increasing the levulinic acid concentration promoted secondary chars to agglomerate. Liquid phase analyses showed that wet torrefaction of OPT in the presence of levulinic acid promotes the hydrolysis of hemicellulose and cellulose to glucose at mild operating conditions and enhances the rehydration of 5-HMF to levulinic acid.

Microwave technology of thermal insulation materials based on liquid glass as an alternative to foam glass

An energy-saving and environmentally friendly microwave technology is proposed for producing composite thermal insulation materials based on liquid glass, which are not inferior to foam glass in terms of their properties. It is shown that the use of microwave radiation allows fabricating volumetrically grouted materials by simultaneous porization of the granules and the binder. In such a way, a monolithic structure of products is formed, where the space between the granules is filled with the swollen binder limited by a denser surface layer. It has been proven that the use of microwave radiation allows achieving heating and softening of the entire mass of the liquid-glass composition due to the internal acceleration of the movement of water molecules, their friction, and release of thermal energy, and not due to high temperature from the outside. This has made it possible to carry out swelling at a lower temperature and during a much shorter heat treatment time than at the traditional convective heating, because the sample layer is heated almost instantly under microwave exposure and the liquid glass composition reaches a pyroplastic state in a few seconds. It has been determined that a part of the energy of electromagnetic radiation is transformed into heat, which contributes to intensive porization with the volumetric expansion of the liquid-glass composition. The other part of the energy is directed to structural changes in the material leading to the improvement of its properties, which is associated with the "non-thermal" microwave radiation action.

Short aramid fiber reinforced thermotropic liquid crystalline polyester composites: Fabrication, thermal, and mechanical properties

We conducted a study to analyze the impact of short aramid fibers (AFs) on the melt-rheological behavior, thermal transition, thermal stability, and mechanical durability of thermotropic liquid crystal polyesters (TLCPs). By using different AF loading contents ranging from 3–15 wt%, we produced TLCP matrix composites through masterbatch-based melt-compounding and injection-molding. The SEM images and FT-IR spectra demonstrate that the AFs are dispersed in the TLCP matrix with a microfibrillar structure through good interfacial adhesion caused by specific intermolecular interactions between the TLCP and AFs. As a result, the complex viscosity, shear storage/loss moduli, and thermal transition (melt-crystallization, glass transition, and melting) temperatures of the composites increase with increasing AF filler content. However, the melt-crystallization and melting enthalpies increase only at low AF loading contents of 3–5 wt%. At high AF contents of 7–15wt%, the enthalpies decrease owing to the partial aggregation of AF fillers. The thermogravimetric analysis proves that the thermal stability of TLCP/AF composites improves when the AF filler is introduced. The dynamic mechanical analysis using the stepped isothermal method shows that the addition of 5 wt% AF to the TLCP leads to an approximately 150% improvement in elastic moduli and long-term mechanical durability at elevated temperatures.

The effects of supported Pd, Pt, Re, Rh, Ru, Ir, Au, and Ni catalysts on renewable hydrocarbon production from alternative feedstock

Screening tests of supported commercial and prepared Pd, Pt, Re, Rh, Ru, Ir, Au (5%), and Ni (5–65%) metal catalysts were conducted under one-pot solvent-free hydrotreating (HT) conditions to evaluate their activity, selectivity, and potential for renewable hydrocarbon (RH) production from rapeseed oil (RO). Catalysts were characterized by XRF, XRD, FE-SEM, TEM, and N2 sorption analysis. Composition of RO, liquid, and gaseous products were analyzed by GC-FID, GC-MS, C, H, N, S elemental analysis, FT-IR, and GC-TCD. Full conversion of RO with RH yield up to 85% were achieved over most active supported commercial Ni (65%) and Re, Rh, Ru (5%) catalysts in short residence time (up to 10 min) under relatively mild reaction temperature 340 °C and initial H2 pressure 10 MPa. Noticeable effect of Ru catalysts on cleavage of -C-C- bond reactions make them promising for practical application in RH synthesis. Multi-function SiO2–Al2O3 supported Ru (5%) catalyst (Ru5SAp) prepared by developed simple method is perspective for wide molecular weight hydrocarbon production by –CC- hydrogenation, oxygen removal and cleavage of -C-C- bonds including ring opening reactions for structure modification of different raw materials – fats, oils, phenols, and fossil based feedstocks. Benzene, toluene, tetralin, guaiacol, and n-nonadecane were used as model compounds for investigation of catalytic effects. Ru5SAp possesses similar performance as most active supported commercial noble metal catalysts in HT process of RO. It is reusable up to three HT reaction cycles although deactivation of catalyst causes significant changes in obtained hydrocarbon composition.

Testing the hypothesis that simulated melting can identify evolving liquid compositions and crystallization models at the Stillwater Complex, Montana, USA

Testing the hypothesis that simulated melting can identify evolving liquid compositions and crystallization models at the Stillwater Complex, Montana, USA

Thermodynamic analysis of processes in the high-temperature polycomponent Fe–Y–Si–O–C system

In the production of low-carbon and high-quality steels, it is recommended to use special complex alloys of rare earth metals for deoxidation, microalloying and modification. To elucidate the mechanism of action of each of the components of the alloy, it is necessary to differentiate the action of each individual element. Yttrium is usually classified as a rare earth metal, but its deoxidizing and modifying ability deficiency studies. The use of yttrium applica-tion is known to increase in density, ductility, scale resistance, resistance to high-temperature corrosion of steel, effec-tively affects the shape, size and distribution of non-metallic inclusions. This paper consider the interaction of yttrium, silicon, and carbon with oxygen dissolved in liquid iron. Nonmetallic inclusions formed in this case can be identified on the state diagram of the FeO–Y2O3–SiO2 oxide system. This diagram is absent in the literature; therefore, it was mod-eled on the basis of the available binary phase diagrams of the FeO–Y2O3, FeO–SiO2, and Y2O3–SiO2 systems. Com-plex deoxidation by yttrium and silicon is possible only at yttrium concentrations in liquid iron less than 0.0001% (ox-ide melt or yttrium silicates are formed as non-metallic inclusions). If the concentration of yttrium is higher than this value, then it is the only deoxidizer. In the presence of carbon, liquid non-metallic inclusions can form in a very narrow range of liquid metal compositions, and the main oxide non-metallic inclusion is yttrium oxide. At yttrium concentra-tions below 0.0001% and silicon concentrations up to 1%, only carbon is the deoxidizer. Taking into account the previ-ously studied Fe–Y–Me–O–C (Me–Ca, Mg, Al, Cr) systems, a thermodynamic data base was created for designing the compositions of complex yttrium-containing ligatures.

Gallium(III)- and Indium(III)-Containing Ionic Liquids as Highly Active Catalysts in Organic Synthesis.

The chemical industry still requires development of environmentally friendly processes. Acid-catalysed chemical processes may cause environmental problems. Urgent need to replace conventional acids has forced the search for sustainable alternatives. Metal-containing ionic liquids have drawn considerable attention from scientists for many years. These compounds may exhibit very high Lewis acidity, which is usually dependent on the composition of the ionic liquid with the particular content of metal salt. Therefore, metal-containing ionic liquids have found a lot of applications and are successfully employed as catalysts, co-catalysts or reaction media in various fields of chemistry, especially in organic chemistry. Gallium(III)- and indium(III)-containing ionic liquids help to transfer the remarkable activity of metal salts into even more active and easier-to-handle forms of ionic liquids. This review highlights the wide range of possible applications and the high potential of metal-containing ionic liquids with special focus on Ga(III) and In(III), which may help to outline the framework for further development of the presented research topic and synthesis of new representatives of this group of compounds.

The optimization of grain crops’ phytosanitary condition with the associative rhizobacteria application

The effectiveness of the associative rhizobacteria influence on the intensity of the soft wheat and triticale diseases’ development was studied. According to the experimental scheme, seeds were soaked and plants were sprayed twice with a working fluid, containing rhizobacteria strains of Bacillus subtilis 124-11, Sphingomonas sp. K1B and Pseudomonas fluorescens SPB2137 (titer 108-109 cl/ml), and other variants with combined treatment with a liquid organomineral composition Batr Gum were used. In the control plants were treated with water and Batr Gum (by 10 ml/l of water). The biopreparations influence on the diseases development was investigated using generally accepted accounting scales and additional phytopathological indicators. The Bacillus subtilis strain 124-11, had the maximal effectiveness against yellow and brown rust of wheat, and Sphingomonas sp. K1B - against triticale rusts. In particular, the treatment of the local cultivar Leningradskaya 6 with Bacillus subtilis 124-11 led to a decrease in the development of yellow rust by 12 %, the pustules number by 47 %, the strip length by 41 %, the pustule area by 39 %; the brown rust development by 9 %, the pustules number by 50 %, the pustule area the by 40 %. After the Dua, k-828 cultivar treatment with the Sphingomonas sp. K1B strain, a decrease in the plants affection by brown rust was observed by 13 %, the pustules number decreased by 59 %, the pustule area by 52 %. A significant decrease in the powdery mildew development on soft wheat and a decrease in the number of spots with plaque were recorded when using the Sphingomonas sp. K1B strain on cultivars: Leningradskaya 6 - by 12 % (79.4 %), Ajeeba - 19 % (72.5 %), Trizo - 13 % (87.2 %), Sudarynya - 3 % (60 %). On the soft wheat cultivar Sudarynya and triticale cultivars Aist Kharkovskiy and Dua, a decrease in helminthosporiotic root rot was revealed when using associative rhizobacteria; the maximal decrease in the disease development (by 32 %) was noted when using the strain Sphingomonas sp. K1B. When bacterial strains were used combined with the organomineral fertilizer Batr Gum, the development of powdery mildew and yellow rust was much slower than when they were used separately, while the greatest effectiveness against these diseases (by 31 % and 91 %) was revealed in the «Batr Gum + Pseudomonas fluorescens SPB2137» experimental variant.

An experimental and detailed kinetic modeling of the thermal oxidation stability of n-decane as a jet fuel surrogate component

Thermal oxidation stability of liquid jet fuels remains a significant scientific challenge in the development of modern aviation. This study aims at experimentally and numerically investigating the autoxidation of n-decane, which is used as a component of jet fuel surrogates in the literature. Induction periods (IP) of n-decane were measured in a PetroOxy device under 7 bar of oxygen and cell temperatures varying from 403 to 418 K. IPs give a quantitative measure of the oxidation stability of a fuel. In addition to IPs measurements, the total hydroperoxides content at the end of the IP test was quantified using two iodometric titration methods: colorimetry and potentiometry. In order to simulate the oxidation of the homogeneous liquid phase as a batch reactor, we developed a physical model based on the so-called gamma-phi thermodynamic approach to calculate the compositions of liquid- and gas-phases at the set temperatures and pressures. Based on a state-of-the-art method to capture solvent effects, a detailed kinetic model for the n-decane autoxidation was developed. The simulations are consistent with experimental data from this study (IP and hydroperoxides concentration profiles) and from the literature. The proposed model is validated to simulate the thermal oxidation stability of liquid n-decane, for conversions up to 15 %. Kinetic analyzes highlight the central role played by hydroperoxides decomposition and the self-termination of peroxy decyl (ROO·) radicals in the autoxidation of n-decane.

Efficient removal of Sr2+ ions by a one-dimensional potassium phosphatoantimonate

90Sr is one of the most dangerous artificial radionuclides. 90Sr generally exists in the form of 90Sr2+ ions in radioactive waste liquids. The efficient removal of radioactive strontium from the complex aqueous environments remains a challenge due to high solubility and easy migration of 90Sr2+ ions and the complex compositions of the radioactive waste liquids. Herein, a one-dimensional potassium phosphatoantimonate (1D-K2SbPO6) with the low cost presents the efficient removal of Sr2+ ions. It possesses the wide pH durability, excellent irradiation resistance and thermal stability. It exhibits the high adsorption capacity of qm = 175.90 mg/g and excellent selectivity for Sr2+ ions in the presence of competing Na+, Cs+, Mg2+ and Ca2+ ions and even in actual aqueous systems. The Sr2+ removal mechanism of K2SbPO6 is attributed to the ion exchange between Sr2+ and easily exchangeable K+ ions located between the [SbPO6]n2n− chains in K2SbPO6. K2SbPO6 is the first example of antimonate(V)-based ion exchange materials with a one-dimensional structure for the Sr2+ capture. This work paves the way to the design and synthesis of new inorganic antimonite (V)-based ion exchange materials for radionuclides remediation.

Floating Liquid Droplets on the Surface of Cryogenic Liquids: Implications for Titan Rain.

Saturn's moon, Titan, has a hydrocarbon-based hydrologic cycle with methane and ethane rainfall. Because of Titan's low gravity, "floating liquid droplets" (coherent droplets of liquid hydrocarbons that float upon a liquid surface) may form on the surface of Titan's hydrocarbon lakes and seas during rainfall. Floating liquid droplets, however, have not been investigated in the laboratory under conditions appropriate for the surface of Titan (cryogenic, hydrocarbon, liquids). We conducted a set of experiments to simulate methane and ethane rainfall under Titan surface conditions (89-94 K, 1.5 bar nitrogen atmosphere) and find that floating ethane droplets form in a wide range of bulk liquid compositions, yet floating methane droplets only form in a narrow compositional range and impact velocity. We find droplet formation is independent of the liquid density and hypothesize that dissolved atmospheric nitrogen in the bulk liquid may repel liquid ethane droplets at the surface. We propose that liquid droplets will form in Titan's methane-rich lakes and seas during ethane rainfall with a droplet radius of ≤3 mm and an impact velocity of ≤0.7 m/s. The presence of these droplets on Titan's lakes may result in a liquid surface layer that is dominated in rainfall composition.

Spray freeze dried niclosamide nanocrystals embedded dry powder for high dose pulmonary delivery

Based on the drug repositioning strategy, niclosamide (NCL) has shown potential applications for treating COVID-19. However, the development of new formulations for effective NCL delivery is still challenging. Herein, NCL-embedded dry powder for inhalation (NeDPI) was fabricated by a novel spray freeze drying technology. The addition of Tween-80 together with 1,2-Distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine showed the synergistic effects on improving both the dispersibility of primary NCL nanocrystals suspended in the feed liquid and the spherical structure integrity of the spray freeze dried (SFD) microparticle. The SFD microparticle size, morphology, crystal properties, flowability and aerosol performance were systematically investigated by regulating the feed liquid composition and freezing temperature. The addition of leucine as the aerosol enhancer promoted the microparticle sphericity with greatly improved flowability. The optimal sample (SF- 80D-N20L2D2T1) showed the highest fine particle fraction of ∼47.83%, equivalently over 3.8mg NCL that could reach the deep lung when inhaling 10mg dry powders.

Influence of Liquid Composition and Discharge Energy on Process Performance, Composition, and Properties of Particles Formed During Electric Discharge Erosion of WC-5TiC-10Co Alloy

Increasing the hardness and wear resistance of powder alloys and coatings through the use of ultrafine-grained powders and metastable phases is a promising way in powder metallurgy. This paper presents the results of the studies of the process of obtaining ultrafine powders by the electric discharge erosion of the cemented carbide waste WC-5TiC-10Co on a special installation. An empirical model that describes the dependence of the productivity of the process on the discharge energy and properties of the liquid is provided. The dependence of the chemical and phase compositions of the obtained powder on the composition of the used liquid and specific energy consumption has been investigated. The effect of the discharge energy on the morphological composition and average particle diameter has been examined. It is revealed that the formation of a metastable solid solution (W, Ti)C and a decrease in the concentration of cobalt induce an increase in the hardness of the resulting spherical particles from 1410HV0.05 to 2540HV0.05.

Improving the Ablation Properties of Liquid Silicone Rubber Composites by Incorporating Hexaphenoxycyclotriphosphonitrile.

The ablative properties of epoxy-modified vinyl silicone rubber (EMVSR) composites containing hexaphenoxycyclotriphosphonitrile (HPCTP) have been systematically studied. The strength of the ablation char layer was greatly enhanced with the addition of HPCTP, which induced the formation of a more complete, denser, and thicker char during oxyacetylene ablation tests. Moreover, the HPCTP-containing EMVSR composites demonstrated lower thermal conductivity and pyrolysis rate when compared with those without HPTCP. At the same time, the thermal insulation properties of HPCTP-filled composites were improved under low heat flow ablation scenarios. The reduction of graphitic carbon content, the formation of phosphate-like crystals as well as the increase of SiC content contributed to strengthening the char layer, which was critical for improving the ablation properties. The optimum char layer strength and thermal insulation properties were achieved when the content of HPCTP was 15 phr, whereas an optimum ablation resistance was achieved at 25 phr HPCTP. This suggests that HPCTP-modified EMVSR composites can be used for thermal protection purposes, especially in the fields of aerospace and aeronautics.

Determination of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors via Capillary Electrophoresis with Tandem Mass Spectrometry and Online Stacking Preconcentration.

Capillary electrophoresis connected with tandem mass spectrometry was employed for the development of a method for determination of various tyrosine kinase inhibitors in plasma samples. A stacking online preconcentration with a 120 cm-long capillary was used for the determination of bosutinib, dasatinib, canertinib, and erlotinib at physiologically relevant concentrations. The optimization included both capillary electrophoresis and mass spectrometry steps. Under optimal conditions, 50 mM formic acid pH 2.5, an injection time of 120 s, and an optimized mass spectrometry set-up (as sheath liquid composition 75:24.9:0.1 (v/v) methanol, water, formic acid, and appropriate conditions for ion transitions), LODs in a range of 3.9-23.0 nmol·L-1 were observed. The method was validated in terms of linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, repeatability of migration times and peak area, and recovery using plasma as a matrix for analytes. The results showed that this method has great promise for use in many analytical tasks, e.g., therapeutic drug monitoring.

Liquid crystal epoxy composites based on functionalized boron nitride: Synthesis and thermal properties

AbstractA composite was prepared by in‐situ polymerization of liquid crystal epoxy (LCE4) with a low dielectric and high thermal conductivity boron nitride (BN) filler, which the filler (f‐BN) was surface‐functionalized by γ‐glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (KH560) and aminopropylisobutyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (NH2‐POSS). The surface‐functionalized BN was more uniformly dispersed in LCE4, which improved the interfacial compatibility between inorganic and organic phases. Compared with pure LCE4, KH560, and NH2‐POSS modified f‐BN/LCE4 composites exhibited a higher glass transition temperature, better thermal stability, and higher thermal conductivity. For example, when the f‐BN content reached 30 wt%, the energy storage modulus of the composite increased to 2580 MPa, and the glass transition temperature was 103°C. The thermal conductivity of this 30 wt% f‐BN composite was 0.48 W m−1 K−1, 128.6% higher than that of pure LCE4. In addition, thermal stability, low hygroscopicity, and dielectric properties of the composites were characterized and analyzed to explore the application prospects of f‐BN/LCE4 composites in electronic packaging and in high‐performance microelectronic devices.

Liquid-metal-microdroplets-incorporated ultrasoft dielectric gel toward stretchable and healable waste-energy-harvesting devices

In this work, an ultrasoft, healable, and portable device is designed, which is capable of harnessing lost energy from AC-powered gadgets. This soft device consisting of an ultrasoft dielectric silicone gel as a matrix and liquid metal alloy (EGaIn, eutectic gallium indium) microdroplet fillers can reduce the dielectric loss of the targeted system through the polarization of the liquid metal droplets, which allows the transfer of electricity to an attached electrode electrostatically. Although this concept has been previously introduced; the device developed in this work is remarkably capable of harnessing energy after multiple catastrophic failures owing to its healability enabled by the strong cohesive property of the gel matrix. In addition, the polymeric gel is initially too soft and moist for utilization; however, it becomes easier to handle after adding liquid metal fillers that increase its modulus of elasticity owing to the oxide layer of the liquid metal, resulting in creating portable and adhesive soft devices. The practical utility of this harnessed energy is ultimately demonstrated by powering small electrical appliances. Therefore, our research sheds light on the potential of liquid metal composites in harnessing free energy from dielectric loss of electronically powered gadgets, which can prove to be a powerful energy-harvesting system in the future.