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Liquid metals provide new dimensions for controlling and governing of reactions. The concept of freely moving metal solutes in liquid metals can be potentially used for enhancing and tuning interfacial reactions. In this work, zinc (Zn), as the solute metal is shown that, can move to the interface, enriching the interfacial area for the efficient synthesis of highly crystalline and porous zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8). The highest rate of reaction is illustrated, and the best quality ZIF‐8, are obtained when a eutectic liquid metal system of Zn with gallium (Ga), containing 3.6 wt.% of Zn, is implemented. It is computationally shown that a combination of Ga activation and freely moving Zn leads to the highest reaction rate and better coordination with organic linkers. The comparisons with solid samples and non‐eutectic systems of Ga liquid demonstrate the advantages of eutectic mix. The work can be expanded to a variety of future interfacial reactions of zeolite imidazole frameworks for commercial scale up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nascent field of liquid metals, metals, and alloys of low melting points has provided opportunities for synthesizing low-dimensional materials. Located between transition- and non-metals in the periodic table, post-transition elements exhibit unique properties in particular low melting points. Taking on a liquid form at low temperature, post-transition liquid metals can be used as solvents for metallic solutes. The enigmatic surface of liquid metals is also ultra-active and smooth, offering opportunities for fabricating and templating two-dimensional (2D) films. So far, various 2D materials have been harvested from the surface of liquid metals including 2D metal compounds and nonmetallic materials. Utilizing different extraction and transfer techniques, the produced 2D films can be uniformly deposited on desired substrates at large lateral dimensions. Here, we present a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals underlying post-transition-elements-based liquid metals and alloys and explain the effect of atomic level electron configurations on their characteristics. We discuss the key physical properties of liquid metals including the origin of their low melting points and their high thermal and electrical conductivities. We illustrate their boundary-induced layering and oxidation as essential traits for creating 2D films. Afterward, the interfacial synthesis of 2D materials is depicted with the discussion of surface oxidation, reduction and exfoliation. We present different types of devices using liquid metal-induced 2D synthesis processes, including field-effect transistors, optoelectronic devices, systems that use 2D dielectric and conductive layers, and piezoelectric devices. Eventually, we discuss future prospects and outline how liquid metals can contribute to exciting future applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) play increasingly significant roles in research and future optoelectronics. However, the large‐scale deposition of 2D TMDs remains challenging due to sparse nucleation and substrate dependency. Liquid metals can offer effective solutions to meet these challenges due to their reactive, non‐polarized, and templating properties. Here, self‐deposition of 2D molybdenum sulfide is shown by introducing a molybdenum precursor onto the surface of a eutectic alloy of gallium and indium (EGaIn). EGaIn serves as an ultra‐smooth template and reducing agent for the precursor to form large‐scale planar molybdenum sulfides, which is transferrable to any substrate. The molybdenum sulfides form spontaneously on the surface of EGaIn, which has a sufficient potential to drive the cathodic reactions of the deposition process. A highly crystalline 2H‐MoS2 is obtained after a final annealing step. This work demonstrates a fundamentally new capability for the formation of large‐scale 2D TMDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]