Stabilising gallium-based liquid metal alloy nanoparticles by carbon encapsulation

Abstract

Gallium-based liquid metal (LM) nanoparticles hold an exceptional promise for catalysis, energy storage, and printed electronics due to their high conductivity, fluidity, and dynamic catalytic surfaces. However, maintaining their mechanical and chemical stability remains a major challenge, as LM nanoparticles tend to agglomerate due to their high surface tension and are susceptible to chemical degradation, such as dissolution or leaching in reactive environments. Surface modification and encapsulation techniques are employed to enhance the mechanical and functional stability of these particles. Previously, methane pyrolysis has been considered as a route to produce high-purity hydrogen and c..