Engineering Liquid Metal Particles: Design Rules for Sonication-Based Methods

Abstract

Liquid metal particles (LMPs) combine liquid-like adaptability with metallic properties, making them highly versatile for applications including flexible electronics, drug delivery, and soft robotics. However, their broader utilization is limited by the formation of a native oxide layer during synthesis, which reduces electrical conductivity. This review provides a focused examination of how sonication conditions─specifically power, duration, temperature, solvent type, and surfactant usage─critically influence LMP synthesis, impacting particle size, morphology, and surface characteristics. By clarifying the interplay between these parameters and their effects, we present a systematic framework for optimizing LMP synthesis. Flowcharts are introduced to map out control parameters and variables, offering a clearer understanding of the mechanisms involved. This approach aims to guide future efforts in tailoring LMP properties for a wide range of advanced technological applications.