Fabrication of liquid metal-based flexible electronics

This chapter presents an overview of the typical electrical properties of liquid metals used in the fabrication of soft or flexible printed biomedical electronics. Various preparation technologies for liquid metal flexible electronics are presented in this chapter. Five types of liquid metal circuit manufacturing methods can be distinguished based on their manufacturing principles, including fluidity, adhesion, interface treatment, liquid metal-metal welding, and liquid metal-elastomer composite. These preparation methods, as well as the equipment and tools used, will be described in detail in this chapter. The advantages and disadvantages of these preparation methods are also discussed. By using these preparation methods, liquid metal circuits are characterized by their electrical properties, including their minimum linewidth, conductivity, preparation time, and manufacturing costs. In addition, some special preparation methods of liquid metal circuits are described in detail, including those for 3D curved circuits and large-area circuits.