Programmable Continuous Electrowetting of Liquid Metal for Reconfigurable Electronics.

Abstract

Dynamic manipulation of the shape and position of liquid metal (LM), a conductive and deformable conductor, presents new opportunities for reconfigurable electronics, fluidic logic, and soft-actuation systems. This study combines continuous electrowetting (CEW) with electrochemical modulation of the interface of LM in electrolyte to achieve tunable and directional LM manipulation in 2D spaces. A key finding is that under a fixed external electric field, the LM moves in a direction that depends on its electrochemical potential. The LM potential is controlled using a substrate featuring patterns of laser-induced graphene (LIG) since it is non-wetting to LM and electrically conductive. This strategy enables a range of functionalities, including "valves" for on-demand LM control, LM droplet sorting, feedback sensing, and fluidic logic gates. The strategy can also control the motion of LM droplets across 2D spaces. Finally, it is utilized within a reconfigurable circuit platform where the LM functions as a dynamic interconnect for sequential activation, parallel switching, and self-healing circuits. By coupling the electrically-driven motion of LM and the versatility of LIG patterning, this work establishes a versatile framework for reconfigurable electronics, programmable fluidic systems, and adaptive systems.