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High internal phase emulsions gel ink for direct-ink-writing 3D printing of liquid metal

Author

Listed:
  • Zewen Lin

    (Xiamen University)

  • Xiaowen Qiu

    (Xiamen University)

  • Zhouqishuo Cai

    (Xiamen University)

  • Jialiang Li

    (Xiamen University)

  • Yanan Zhao

    (Xiamen University)

  • Xinping Lin

    (Xiamen University)

  • Jinmeng Zhang

    (Xiamen University)

  • Xiaolan Hu

    (Xiamen University)

  • Hua Bai

    (Xiamen University
    Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM))

Abstract

3D printing of liquid metal remains a big challenge due to its low viscosity and large surface tension. In this study, we use Carbopol hydrogel and liquid gallium-indium alloy to prepare a liquid metal high internal phase emulsion gel ink, which can be used for direct-ink-writing 3D printing. The high volume fraction (up to 82.5%) of the liquid metal dispersed phase gives the ink excellent elastic properties, while the Carbopol hydrogel, as the continuous phase, provides lubrication for the liquid metal droplets, ensuring smooth flow of the ink during shear extrusion. These enable high-resolution and shape-stable 3D printing of three-dimensional structures. Moreover, the liquid metal droplets exhibit an electrocapillary phenomenon in the Carbopol hydrogel, which allows for demulsification by an electric field and enables electrical connectivity between droplets. We have also achieved the printing of ink on flexible, non-planar structures, and demonstrated the potential for alternating printing with various materials.

Suggested Citation

  • Zewen Lin & Xiaowen Qiu & Zhouqishuo Cai & Jialiang Li & Yanan Zhao & Xinping Lin & Jinmeng Zhang & Xiaolan Hu & Hua Bai, 2024. "High internal phase emulsions gel ink for direct-ink-writing 3D printing of liquid metal," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-48906-w
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48906-w
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Mark A. Skylar-Scott & Jochen Mueller & Claas W. Visser & Jennifer A. Lewis, 2019. "Voxelated soft matter via multimaterial multinozzle 3D printing," Nature, Nature, vol. 575(7782), pages 330-335, November.
    2. Xiankai Li & Mingjie Li & Jie Xu & Jun You & Zhiqin Yang & Chaoxu Li, 2019. "Evaporation-induced sintering of liquid metal droplets with biological nanofibrils for flexible conductivity and responsive actuation," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 10(1), pages 1-9, December.
    3. Jianxiang Cheng & Rong Wang & Zechu Sun & Qingjiang Liu & Xiangnan He & Honggeng Li & Haitao Ye & Xingxin Yang & Xinfeng Wei & Zhenqing Li & Bingcong Jian & Weiwei Deng & Qi Ge, 2022. "Centrifugal multimaterial 3D printing of multifunctional heterogeneous objects," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-10, December.
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