Power-Level Electrical Switch Enabled by a Liquid-Metal Bridge

Abstract

Soft electronic components possess the potential to be developed into next-generation electrical devices that can provide superior performance to solid-state counterparts. Among commonly used components, electrical switches are an essential control element in electrical and electronic systems. Both solid-state mechanical and semiconductor switches are blamed for some intrinsic shortcomings. For example, the former suffers from contact surface degradation, while the latter functions with a high conduction loss. To overcome the limitations, here, a liquid metal (LM)enabled electrical switch is reported by incorporating a Galinstan liquid bridge into a pair of solid electrodes. The electrical switch operation is realized by the coalescence of LM droplets and the breakup of the LM bridge. Extraordinarily, the device is capable of interrupting a DC 220 V, 1− 5 A circuit within 11 ms, outperforming a common mechanical switch by a factor of 4−20 in terms of interruption speed. During the breakup process of an LM bridge in the presence of a current, three regimes characterized by electrical arc behaviors are identified and investigated. The rupture distance formed before pinch-off is critical to regulate the arc plasma behaviors. The presented applications and discoveries have a vast potential in both practical technologies, involving high-current electrical and electronic equipment, and fundamental research fields relevant to soft electronics, fluid mechanics, and plasma science.

Current Status and Outlook of Low‐Melting‐Point Metals in Biomedical Applications

“…The excellent conductivity of galinstan makes it increasingly used in flexible electronics, wearable devices, optoelectronics, biomedicine, and other relevant fields. [196,[200][201][202][203][204][205] In recent years, researchers have investigated factors that affect the electrical conductivity of galinstan-based composites. Liquid metals, acting as conductive additives, offer an optimal substitute for rigid particulates.…”

“…The excellent conductivity of galinstan makes it increasingly used in flexible electronics, wearable devices, optoelectronics, biomedicine, and other relevant fields. [ 196,200–205 ]…”