Gradient structure regulation of liquid metal composite based on synergistic effect of metal coordination and acoustic field for soft electronics

As candidates, liquid metal composites (LMCs) exhibit tunable physical and functional properties at various scales, broadening applications in flexible electronics. Herein, by the synergistic effect of metal coordination and acoustic field, a liquid metal composite (LMEPC) with tunable gradient structure is prepared. The gradient and bicontinuous structures of LMPEC result in the initial thermal and electrical conductivity anisotropy without pre-activation. The size of LM particles (LMPs) can be controlled from nano to micro scale due to the synergistic effect of metal coordination and acoustic field application, resulting in a transformation of the gradient structure. LMEPC exhibits enhanced electrical conductivity (0.0540 Ω), thermal conductivity (1.317 W K⁻¹ m⁻¹), mechanical property (1847.3 MPa), and programmable shape performance. These capabilities enable the design of multifunctional electronics. This work provides a new strategy to control the gradient structure of LMCs by the induction of metal coordination to broaden the horizon of applications.