Recent advances for core–shell gallium-based liquid metal particles: properties, fabrication, modification, and applications

Gallium-based liquid metal micro-nanoparticles (Ga-LMPs) have attracted extensive attention in recent years due to their unique physicochemical properties, such as biocompatibility, fluidity and large specific surface area. However, the surface of gallium-based liquid metal is prone to oxidation, forming a solid insulating gallium oxide shell that limits its functionality and applications. Therefore, it has become a hot research topic to endow Ga-LMPs with new functionalities by surface modification. This review summarizes the surface properties, preparation methods, and surface modification mechanisms of Ga-LMPs, with a focus on the diverse functionalities gained through surface modification, such as enhanced particle stability, electrical conductivity, drug delivery, stimulus responsiveness, thermoelectric property and catalytic activity. The potential applications of these properties in fields such as sensing, energy storage, and catalysis are also discussed.