Liquid materials exhibit unique features such as freedom of shape transformation, rapid equilibration, and mass/heat transportation by convection/diffusion. However, because of the highly dynamic nature, their shape is commonly defined by the containers. This limited full utilization of liquid materials. One successful strategy to structure liquid materials is to manipulate the liquid-liquid interface by the formation of an elastic membrane that retains the shape. Herein we demonstrate the construction of the self-forming liquid-liquid interfacial membrane by various strategies, including polyelectrolyte coacervates, polymer-nanoparticle assemblies, and macromolecules crosslinked by dynamic covalent chemistry. In all cases, the interfacial membranes fully exert the dynamic nature allowing structured liquids formation by 3D printing and surface patterning. Meanwhile, the reversible interaction enables responsiveness toward diverse parameters including pH and ionic strength. The semi-permeable membrane may selectively allow or reject mass transport across the interface. With all these characteristics combines, the structured liquids can be fabricated into fluidic devices with the capability of energy storage and enhanced catalysis. All-liquid fluidic devices defined by the self-forming interfacial membranes are anticipated to lead to novel designs and opportunities in soft electronics, biomimetic devices, and smart materials.

Noncovalent and dynamic covalent assembly of macromolecules toward all-liquid devices

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

[Author Benefits](https://scimeetings.acs.org/?utm_source=pubs_content_marketing&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=0320_MCF_NPI_Launch_Spring_Homepage&ref=pubs_content_marketing)

[How to use SciMeetings](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMeetings-ACSSpring2020-HowToGuide_M3020-Final.pdf)

[Frequently Asked Questions](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMtng_ACSNMSp2020_FAQ_M3120_Final.pdf)

ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.