Background: Liquid metal denotes metals that are in a liquid state at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Prominent examples of liquid metals include mercury (Hg), also referred to as quicksilver. Mercury stands alone as the sole metal that is in a liquid state under standard conditions—room temperature and atmospheric pressure—when other metals liquefy at higher temperatures. The attributes of liquid metals, such as high electrical and thermal conductivity and fluidity, render them exceptionally useful in specific applications. However, the toxicity of certain liquid metals or their other adverse properties can limit their applicability in some domains.

Related Research and Creation: Since 2010, a number of international artists have leveraged the unique characteristics of liquid metals to craft their works, including pieces by Michael Flynn, Sachiko Kodama, and Yunchul Kim. The popular ferrofluid toys available in the market are designed predominantly to utilize magnetic control properties, with most being black ferrofluids.

Motivation: In 2017, Professor Liu Jing's team at the Institute of Physics and Chemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences achieved a technological breakthrough in the production of gallium-iron alloy liquid metal, which retains the appearance of mercury texture and has unveiled various mechanisms of liquid metals. The objective of this series of experiments is to uncover further possibilities and artistic potentials of liquid metals.

16·1, Liquid Metal Maze Runner

Within a labyrinth, the liquid metal, due to its electrokinetic properties, is drawn towards the cathode, repelled by the anode, and attracted back to the cathode, with the voltage influencing its velocity. Electricity is applied repeatedly at various exits of the maze, guiding the liquid metal through the labyrinth.

During the experiment, it was observed that the liquid metal could only perform point-to-point linear motion under the actuation of an electric motor. Consequently, electrodes had to be installed at every turn of the maze to serve as “guides.” As a result, the liquid metal did not appear to navigate the maze autonomously and lacked a sense of “intelligence.”

Thus, the concept was envisioned to hand over the control of the electrodes to the audience, transforming it into an interactive artwork where participants would direct the liquid metal through the maze. However, liquid metal is strongly uncontrollable; factors such as voltage, current, and the shape of the maze would all impact the “movement” of the liquid metal. Therefore, the exhibition only presents the experimental process and data for the time being.

16·2, Metal Tides

The motion of the metal is actuated by a magnet, with the electric current modulating the magnetic field's intensity, thereby inducing diverse textures in the ferrofluid and the formation of spikes. A rotating magnet positioned beneath the container'sbase sets these spikes into a continuous rotational motion.

In the initial experiment, the rotating magnet solidified the shape of the spikes, effectively acting as a cantilevered arm that revolved the solidified metal. This did not demonstrate the fluidity characteristic of liquid metals.

Attempts were made to alter the magnetic field by interrupting the current or varying its strength through the rotary arm, but it was necessary to design in a way that avoids replicating what international artists have already accomplished. Further research revealed that the majority of artists have employed circular rotation.

16·3, Liquid Metal Starry Sky

The properties of liquid metal include the ability to alter surface tension upon the application of electricity, after which it transits from a flat state to a spherical one. The installation of numerous electrified needles is required at the base of the container. The needles must penetrate the entire dish with the lower end connected to a power source. The configuration of the electrified needles resembles a celestial map.

The ideal vision was for the audience to initially perceive a flat expanse of liquid metal in a mirror-like state, which is the power-off state, upon first glance. As spectators approach, a sensor is triggered, electrifying the needles, causing the silvery liquid of the iron-gallium alloy to transit from a spread-out film to a configuration of small spheres, resembling a starry sky. When people leave, it reverts to a mirror; as they approach, it becomes a cosmos.

After consultation with the scientific research team, it was determined that this concept is temporarily unfeasible. The decision was made to halt the experiment.

16·4, The Restless Octopus

A composition of liquid metal composites is fashioned into an octopus.

A heating module, controlled by a circuit and installed at the base of the container, alternately heats different parts of the octopus, enabling it to undulate and extend its tentacles upon the base for optimal mobility.

16·5, Agitation

The addition of nano-copper oxide to the liquid metal causes it to expand, forming a porous structure. Utilizing this material, a human heart sculpture is cast using the lost-wax casting method. With electrodes introduced at the base and subjected to repeated stimulation, the heart sculpture pulsates.