2023/02/20 by Fali Li, Li, Fali, Wenjuan Lei +23 · 1 citation
Computer Science · Engineering · #Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials #Applied Physics (physics.app-ph) #FOS: Computer and information sciences #FOS: Physical sciences #Human-Computer Interaction (cs.HC) #Interactive and Immersive Displays #Nanomaterials and Printing Technologies
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2302.09786
openalex publication_date 2023/02/20 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
Gallium-based liquid metal is getting increased attention in conformal flexible electronics for its high electrical conductivity, intrinsic deformability and biocompatibility. A series of flexible devices are developed based on the micro-particles of liquid metal. But it is still challenging to fabricate conformal liquid metal film with a large area and high uniformity. Interfacial self-assembly is a competitive candidate method. Traditional interfacial self-assembly methods have difficulties assembling liquid metal particles because the floating state of the high-density microparticles could be easily disturbed by gravity. Here, we realized the multi-size universal self-assembly (MUS) for liquid metal particles with various diameters (0~500μm). By introducing a simple z-axis undisturbed interfacial material releasing strategy, the interference of gravitational energy on the stability of floating particles is avoided. Benefits from this, the ultra-conformable monolayer film, with large area (>100 cm2) and high floating yield (50%~90%), can be fabricated by liquid metal particles. Furthermore, the monolayer can be conformally transferred to any interesting complex surface such as human skin and plant leaf, to fabricate substrate-free flexible devices. Without interference from the mechanical response of traditional substrate, the liquid metal e-tattoo is more user-friendly and can realize feel-less continuous monitoring.