Liquid metal tentacles that do NOT short circuit

Researchers at University of Wollongong and NC State report liquid metal electrodes that do NOT short circuit. This work was published in Nature Chemical Engineering in an article titled, "Liquid-metal transfer from an anode to a cathode without short circuiting".

https://www.nature.com/articles/s4428...

In this work, two electrodes are used: a liquid metal electrode (+) and a Cu wire (-). The liquid metal is an alloy of gallium. The electrodes are placed in a basic (NaOH) solution of water. Normally, when two electrodes are brought into contact, they short circuit. Yet here, as the two electrodes approach each other, the liquid metal forms a protective oxide and the Cu has a sheath of hydrogen bubbles due to reduction of water. Thus, they do not short circuit.

In addition, the oxidation lowers the tension of the liquid metal.

   • Shape Reconfigurable Liquid Metal  

Thus, the oxidation causes the metal to move toward the Cu wire and surround it, much like a tentacle. Ultimately all the liquid metal flows toward the Cu and transfers to the Cu wire.

This work is interesting because electrodes normally short circuit when they come into contact. It is also interesting because it represents a unique way to move and transfer liquid metal.

Please see the highlight by Dr. Weier and Dr. Mutschke:

https://www.nature.com/articles/s4428...