Surface and Interface Engineering in Gallium‐Based Liquid Metals

Abstract Gallium‐based liquid metals (LM) combine metallic conductivity, fluidity, and self‐limiting oxide layers, showing exceptional promise for flexible electronics, energy storage, catalysis, and microwave shielding. However, performance limitations arise from interfacial challenges in LM composites, including phase incompatibility and interfacial instability caused by gallium oxide layers and incorporated components. Additional hurdles include high surface tension, complicating shape control. This review examines interface engineering strategies to address these limitations through three approaches: tailoring interfacial modifications, structural design, and reactive interfaces for functional enhancement. Following an overview of core properties and oxidation behaviors inherent to Ga‐based LMs, interface engineering in LM composites is systematically analyzed across two material categories: LM‐organic interfaces with dynamic molecular interactions, and LM‐inorganic interfaces governed by metallurgical bonding. For each category, unique interfacial characteristics and corresponding engineering methodologies are discussed. Advanced applications demonstrate how optimized interfaces enhance electrical/thermal transport, mechanical compliance, and environmental stability. The analysis offers guidance for advancing LM material development in this evolving field, emphasizing that interfacial control represents a critical pathway to unlock their full potential across emerging technologies.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Functional Materials
Published
2025-10-27
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202519697
Citations
1
Primary Topic
Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.67
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Surface and Interface Engineering in Gallium‐Based Liquid Metals

Jiawen Sun, Jie Kong, Xingyang Chen, Ruizhe Xing et al.
1 citations
Advanced Functional Materials
Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials
0.67
article

Surface and Interface Engineering in Gallium‐Based Liquid Metals

Jiawen Sun, Jie Kong, Xingyang Chen, Ruizhe Xing, Jin Liang
article en
1 citations

Abstract

Abstract Gallium‐based liquid metals (LM) combine metallic conductivity, fluidity, and self‐limiting oxide layers, showing exceptional promise for flexible electronics, energy storage, catalysis, and microwave shielding. However, performance limitations arise from interfacial challenges in LM composites, including phase incompatibility and interfacial instability caused by gallium oxide layers and incorporated components. Additional hurdles include high surface tension, complicating shape control. This review examines interface engineering strategies to address these limitations through three approaches: tailoring interfacial modifications, structural design, and reactive interfaces for functional enhancement. Following an overview of core properties and oxidation behaviors inherent to Ga‐based LMs, interface engineering in LM composites is systematically analyzed across two material categories: LM‐organic interfaces with dynamic molecular interactions, and LM‐inorganic interfaces governed by metallurgical bonding. For each category, unique interfacial characteristics and corresponding engineering methodologies are discussed. Advanced applications demonstrate how optimized interfaces enhance electrical/thermal transport, mechanical compliance, and environmental stability. The analysis offers guidance for advancing LM material development in this evolving field, emphasizing that interfacial control represents a critical pathway to unlock their full potential across emerging technologies.

Advanced Functional MaterialsVol. 36(19)
Northwestern Polytechnical University (CN), Shenzhen Polytechnic University (CN), Tsinghua–Berkeley Shenzhen Institute (CN), Tsinghua University (CN)
Openalex Percentile: Top 25%
Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials
0.67
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.