Recent progress in eutectic gallium indium (EGaIn): surface modification and applications

In the field of stretchable electronics, eutectic gallium–indium alloys (EGaIn) have become an ideal conductive material due to their exceptional electrical conductivity and natural fluidity. However, high surface tension poses an obstacle to the widespread application of EGaIn. To cope with these challenges, a fundamental and comprehensive understanding of surface tension is required. This paper reviews research on the surface tension of EGaIn, covering (1) the principles of oxide layer formation, (2) factors influencing surface tension, and (3) methods for surface modification of liquid metals. This is followed by an introduction to the applications of EGaIn surface modification in different fields and concludes with a summary of the challenges still faced and an outlook for the future.