Unique Porous Oxide Shell on Liquid Gallium Nanoparticles.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Surface Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• The oxide layer on liquid gallium influences its wettability.
• The precise oxidation mechanism of liquid gallium remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the oxidation mechanism of gallium nanoparticles (GNPs).
• To elucidate the role of oxide skin in GNP morphological changes.

Main Methods:

• Experimental studies.
• Reactive molecular dynamics simulations.

Main Results:

• Observed cracking and wrinkling of the oxide skin during GNP oxidation.
• Demonstrated that oxidation and liquid core flow synergistically drive these behaviors.
• Identified temperature-dependent oxide nucleation modes (chain-like vs. island-like) affecting oxide morphology.
• Showcased morphological transformation from core-shell to spherical crown-like structures.

Conclusions:

• The study clarifies the atomic-scale oxidation mechanism of GNPs.
• Findings provide insights into oxide skin dynamics and morphological evolution.
• Results have practical implications for producing patterned circuit filling materials.