Liquid metals in catalysis: when mobility meets reactivity

Liquid metals constitute an emerging class of materials for heterogeneous catalysis, combining intrinsic mobility, thermal stability, and dynamic surface chemistry. These properties allow mitigation of catalyst deactivation by coking and sintering and offer new ways to improve selectivity and activity. This article outlines the main principles of liquid-metal-assisted catalysis and highlights recent examples where liquid metals act as active phases, promoters, or reaction media, as well as opportunities for external control of catalytic behavior.