Liquid metal interfaces for flexible and reconfigurable electronics

Abstract

A reconfigurable electronic component comprising a channel having first and second ends and outer walls defining a lumen; a liquid phosphonic acid within the lumen; and a liquid metal within the lumen. A first electrical contact at the first end of the channel and a second electrical contact in communication with the lumen at the second end of the channel. A predetermined amount of a solvent and a liquid metal may be within the lumen, and the solvent may comprise ethanol. The liquid metal may be selected from the group consisting of eutectic gallium indium (EGaIn) and eutectic gallium-indium-tin alloys. The phosphonic acid may be selected from the group consisting of decylphosphonic acid (DPA), fluorobenzylphosphonic acid (FPA), and difluorobenzylphosphonic acid (DFPA). The first and second electrical contacts comprise copper. An overflow channel and a reservoir for the liquid metal and phosphonic acid may be in fluid communication with the lumen.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.