Nano liquid metal as an emerging functional material in energy management, conversion and storage

Conventional nanofluid used in energy area is inherently limited by the relatively low thermal conductivity of the base fluids. As an alternative, the recently proposed nano liquid metal opens a new way for making ever powerful energy material. The liquid composite thus prepared exhibits superior thermal and electrical properties over conventional fluid which guarantees its significant functional potentials in energy management, conversion and storage. In this article, a systematic interpretation on the basic features of the nano liquid metal was presented. Perspective applications of this newly emerging energy material were outlined. Some involved fundamental issues and technical challenges were raised. This work is expected to provide a startup guide tine for future research in the area. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.