Friction-Assisted Liquid Metal-Driven Anchoring of Low Redox Potential Metal Ions for Enhanced Electromagnetic Wave Absorption

Overcoming the fundamental thermodynamic-kinetic dilemma restricting metal ion reduction/anchoring (MIRA) strategies is critical for advancing next-generation technologies reliant on precise electron transfer and stable interfaces. However, the persistent challenge in conventional approaches lies in the concurrent inhibition of thermodynamically reactions, occurrence of undesired kinetic pathways, and compromised anchoring efficiency. Here, a paradigm of friction-assisted utilizing gallium-indium liquid metal (LM) to circumvent these constraints, enabling efficient MIRA of low reduction potential (LRP) ions. This study elucidates the mechanism by which friction-assisted LM promotes the MIRA of LRP, overcoming thermodynamic barriers, suppressing parasitic reactions, and enabling efficient anchoring. Building on this principle, InGaZn₅O₈ with a distinct crystalline structure is synthesized, whose unique electronic configuration engenders enhanced electromagnetic wave absorption. A concentration-dependent dual effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) phenomenon is observed, and optimized LM-Zn-8 achieves an EAB of 5.92 GHz at a minimal thickness of 1.3 mm and a minimum reflection loss (RL_min) of -44.44 dB. Furthermore, the friction-assisted strategy demonstrates broad applicability to diverse LRP ions (e.g., Al³⁺, Cr³⁺), establishing a universal and customizable platform for fabricating MIRA composites with tailored functionalities across a wide range of applications.