The actuation of liquid metal droplets is the core in the development of future liquid metal‐based soft robotics or devices. In the present study, an intriguing phenomenon of actuating liquid metal droplets via van der Waals adhesion is introduced. Through the electrochemical interaction between liquid metal and nickel in an acid solution, the continuously generating hydrogen bubbles form capillary adhesion to surfaces, which provide the force bridge between two metals. Based on this mechanism, liquid metal can not only be manipulated by directly dragging a nickel rod, but also accurately and stably be driven by magnetic field due to the magnetism of nickel. In particular, the magnetic manipulation method involved in this study does not change the chemical nature of the liquid metal. With all the distinctive properties, this van der Waals force‐based liquid metal actuation may offer numerous inspirations in various fields including soft robotics, flexible electronics, and microfluidics.

中文翻译：

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通过范德华粘附力按需操纵液态金属滴

液态金属滴的驱动是未来基于液态金属的软机器人或设备开发的核心。在本研究中，引入了一种通过范德华粘附力驱动液态金属液滴的有趣现象。通过在酸性溶液中液态金属和镍之间的电化学相互作用，连续产生的氢气泡在表面形成毛细管粘附，从而在两种金属之间形成了力桥。基于这种机理，液态金属不仅可以通过直接拉动镍棒来操纵，而且还可以由于镍的磁性而被磁场准确而稳定地驱动。特别地，本研究涉及的电磁操作方法不会改变液态金属的化学性质。具有所有独特的属性