Functionalization of liquid metal nanoparticles via the RAFT process

Abstract

Eutectic gallium–indium (EGaIn) based liquid metals (LMs) have been explored for a variety of applications ranging from stretchable electronics, catalysis to drug delivery. The initial demonstrations of the preparation of EGaIn/polymer nanocomposites are encouraging; however, the well-controlled polymerization and synthesis of block copolymers with precise molecular weights and low dispersities on the surface of EGaIn nanoparticles have not yet been realized. We demonstrate here that the proper design and selection of RAFT agents allow the preparation of EGaIn nanoparticles via ultrasonic treatment. Importantly, the anchored RAFT agent on the surface of EGaIn nanoparticles enables the growth of a variety of polymers and block copolymers with precise molecular weights and low dispersities. The successful incorporation of RAFT polymers on the surface of EGaIn could dramatically improve its stability and dispersibility, thereby facilitating the applications of EGaIn based nanocomposites in the fields of biomedicine, additive manufacturing, and many others.