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Figure 8 | Micro and Nano Systems Letters

Figure 8

From: Rapid electrocapillary deformation of liquid metal with reversible shape retention

Figure 8

Sustained, reversible actuation with ECA and voltage-controlled oxidation. ECA used in conjunction with electrochemical oxide deposition to actuate and control liquid-metal deformations. Liquid metal is actuated by 4 VDC applied to the electrolyte (a) and advances quickly into the channel until the bias switches to −10 VDC (b). Liquid metal retracts by ~ 4 mm (Δl) before oxide growth is sufficient to wet to walls and halt movement (c). The liquid metal is allowed to remain in this position for approximately 12 seconds before 4 VDC is again applied to remove the oxide [13] and reverse the deformation (d). The 4-VDC bias restores ECA conditions, causing the liquid metal to advance even before the oxide is fully reduced (e), and so must be applied in short bursts. Eventually the liquid metal recedes as the oxide is removed (f), before finally returning to the central reservoir (g).

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