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Hydroxyl-Rich PVA Coating Enables Robust Adhesion of Liquid Metals for Circuit Patterning on Rough Substrates
Wenlong Liu1, Zhichao Li1, Ruopu Zhao1
1Key Laboratory for Liquid-Solid Structural Evolution and Processing of Materials, Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, China.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|May 18, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a hydroxyl-rich poly(vinyl alcohol) coating to improve gallium-based liquid metal adhesion on rough surfaces for flexible electronics. This innovation enables patterned circuits on textured substrates, advancing wearable device technology.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Surface Chemistry
- Electronics Engineering
Background:
- Gallium-based liquid metals (GaLM) offer unique properties for flexible electronics.
- High surface tension and oxide layer formation limit GaLM adhesion to rough substrates.
- Current methods struggle with reliable patterning of GaLM on textured surfaces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel coating strategy for enhancing GaLM adhesion on rough substrates.
- To enable patterned circuit fabrication of GaLM on textured materials.
- To expand substrate compatibility for liquid metal-based flexible electronics.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a hydroxyl-rich poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) coating.
- Surface characterization of coated and uncoated substrates.
- Density Functional Theory (DFT) simulations to investigate interfacial bonding.
- Fabrication of flexible electrothermal patches and strain sensors.
Main Results:
- The PVA coating effectively planarizes rough surfaces and introduces hydroxyl groups (-OH).
- Enhanced interfacial adhesion between GaLM oxide layers and the hydroxyl-rich coating was observed.
- DFT simulations confirmed synergistic hydrogen and covalent bonding at the interface.
- Successful fabrication of functional flexible electronic devices (electrothermal patches, strain sensors) on rough substrates.
Conclusions:
- Hydroxyl-rich PVA coatings significantly improve GaLM adhesion on textured surfaces.
- The strategy overcomes limitations of GaLM application in flexible electronics.
- This work expands substrate choices for liquid metal circuits, impacting wearable device development.
