Programmable Continuous Electrowetting of Liquid Metal for Reconfigurable Electronics

Abstract

Abstract Dynamic manipulation of the shape and position of liquid metal (LM), a conductive and deformable conductor, presents new opportunities for reconfigurable electronics, fluidic logic, and soft‐actuation systems. This study combines continuous electrowetting (CEW) with electrochemical modulation of the interface of LM in electrolyte to achieve tunable and directional LM manipulation in 2D spaces. A key finding is that under a fixed external electric field, the LM moves in a direction that depends on its electrochemical potential. The LM potential is controlled using a substrate featuring patterns of laser‐induced graphene (LIG) since it is non‐wetting to LM and electrically conductive. This strategy enables a range of functionalities, including “valves” for on‐demand LM control, LM droplet sorting, feedback sensing, and fluidic logic gates. The strategy can also control the motion of LM droplets across 2D spaces. Finally, it is utilized within a reconfigurable circuit platform where the LM functions as a dynamic interconnect for sequential activation, parallel switching, and self‐healing circuits. By coupling the electrically‐driven motion of LM and the versatility of LIG patterning, this work establishes a versatile framework for reconfigurable electronics, programmable fluidic systems, and adaptive systems.