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.

中文翻译：

---

用于二维材料界面合成的后过渡金属的液态

液态金属、低熔点金属和合金的新兴领域为合成低维材料提供了机会。后过渡元素位于元素周期表中的过渡金属和非金属之间，具有独特的特性，尤其是低熔点。在低温下呈液态，过渡后液态金属可用作金属溶质的溶剂。液态金属神秘的表面也非常活跃和光滑，为制造和模板化二维 (2D) 薄膜提供了机会。到目前为止，已经从液态金属表面获得了各种二维材料，包括二维金属化合物和非金属材料。利用不同的提取和转移技术，所生产的二维薄膜可以以大的横向尺寸均匀地沉积在所需的基板上。在这里，我们全面概述了基于后过渡元素的液态金属和合金的基本原理，并解释了原子级电子配置对其特性的影响。我们讨论了液态金属的关键物理特性，包括其低熔点及其高导热性和导电性的来源。我们说明了它们的边界诱导分层和氧化是创建 2D 电影的基本特征。之后，描述了二维材料的界面合成，并讨论了表面氧化、还原和剥离。我们展示了使用液态金属诱导的二维合成工艺的不同类型的设备，包括场效应晶体管，光电设备、使用 2D 电介质和导电层的系统以及压电设备。最后，我们讨论了未来的前景，并概述了液态金属如何为激动人心的未来应用做出贡献。