High-Performance Magnetic and Electric Control of Liquid Metal Droplets

Inthe present study, we propose a magnetically controlled andelectrically controlled magnetic liquid metal (MLM) method to achievehigh-performance multiple manipulation of droplets. The prepared MLMhas good active and passive deformability. Under the action of themagnetic field, controllable transport, splitting, merging, and rotationare realized. In addition, controllable electric field manipulationin alkaline and acidic electrolytes is realized. This simple preparationmethod can be applied to the precise and rapid control of the magneticfield and electric field at the same time. Compared with other dropletmanipulation methods, we realized droplet manipulation independentof special surfaces. It has the advantages of easy implementation,low cost, and high controllability. It shows great application potentialin the fields of biochemical analysis, microfluidics, drug transportationin complex limited space, and intelligent soft robots.

Automated summary

In this study, a magnetically controlled and electrically controlled magnetic liquid metal (MLM) method was proposed for high-performance multiple manipulation of droplets. The prepared MLM exhibited good active and passive deformability, enabling controllable transport, splitting, merging, and rotation under magnetic field. Furthermore, controllable electric field manipulation in alkaline and acidic electrolytes was achieved. Compared to other droplet manipulation methods, this approach allows for droplet manipulation independent of special surfaces, with advantages of easy implementation, low cost, and high controllability. It holds great application potential in biochemical analysis, microfluidics, drug transportation in complex limited space, and intelligent soft robots.