Electrochemically induced actuation of liquid metal marbles

• DOI: 10.1039/c3nr00185g
• Publication Date: 2013-04-26T14:00:59Z
• Authors: Shi-Yang Tang; Vijay Sivan; Khashayar Khoshma...; Anthony P. O'Mullane; Xinke Tang; Berrak Gol; Nicky Eshtiaghi; Felix Lieder; Phred Petersen; Arnan Mitchell; Kourosh Kalantar-...
• Keywords: Liquid metal

Controlled actuation of soft objects with functional surfaces in aqueous environments presents opportunities for liquid phase electronics, novel assembled super-structures and unusual mechanical properties. We show the extraordinary electrochemically induced metal droplets coated nanoparticles, so-called “liquid marbles”. demonstrate that nanoparticle coatings these marbles offer an extra dimension affecting bipolar actuation. The nanoparticles can readily migrate along surface metals, upon application electric fields, altering capacitive behaviour tension a highly asymmetric fashion. Surprising behaviours are observed illustrating have strong effect on movement marbles. This significant phenomenon, combined unique properties marbles, represents exciting platform enabling diverse applications cannot be achieved using rigid beads.