Liquid Metal Molecular Scissors

TL;DR

This paper introduces liquid metal scissors, a novel tool that can selectively cut oxygen-containing groups from molecules at room temperature, enabling functional transformations and opening new avenues in molecular engineering and chemistry.

Contribution

It reveals a general chemistry effect of liquid metals acting as molecular scissors, a new mechanism for molecular manipulation and transformation at room temperature.

Findings

Liquid metals can directly snatch oxygen atoms from molecules.

Remaining groups can recombine to form new functional materials.

Demonstrated applications include formation of H2 and carbon quantum dots.

Abstract

Molecules are the smallest unit in matters that can exist independently, relatively stable, and maintain physical and chemical activities. The atomic species, alignment commands, and chemical bonds are key factors to dominate their structures and properties. Here we disclosed a general chemistry effect that the liquid metals can directly cut off oxygen-containing groups in various molecular matters at room temperature, and then recombine the remaining groups to form functional materials including nano semiconductors. Based on this unique mechanism, we proposed a basic tool and named it as liquid metal scissors for molecular directional clipping and functional transformation. As proof-of-concept, we demonstrated the capabilities of eGaIn scissors made of Ga and In particles, and revealed that the Ga on the surface of eGaIn could directly snatch oxygen atoms from various targeted substances such as H2O, CO2 or CH3OH molecules to form gallium oxides. As illustration, after clipping, the remaining hydrogen atoms of H2O molecules recombined to form H2, while the remaining groups of CH3OH lead to H2, carbon quantum dots, and other related substances. If needed, more molecules can also be manipulated via such scissors. This finding refreshes the basic knowledge of chemistry and suggests easygoing ways for molecular weaving, which may break up the limitations and single features of molecular substances. It also opens up a universal route for innovating future molecular chemical engineering, life science, energy and environment, and biomedicine.