Frontiers of advanced multifunctional liquid metal − wood composite materials

Wood-based composite materials have garnered significant attention in recent years because of their versatile applications across various fields. However, these materials continue to face performance limitations that hinder their full potential. Liquid metal (LM) as a novel modifier, with its exceptional properties such as superior electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, fluidity, and biocompatibility, has opened new avenues for enhancing the performance and expanding the functional capabilities of wood-based composites. This review comprehensively examines the strategies for LM functionalized wood (LM-wood) composite materials, focusing on wood-based composite and LM modifications in component adjustment, surface treatment, matrix structure optimization, interface enhancement, and morphological control. The discussion will highlight synergistic modification strategies aiming at improved interfacial activity and functionality. The paper outlines those key preparation methods for LM-wood composites, including impregnation, coating, injection, and in-situ synthesis, and highlights critical process parameters. The review then examines their resulting advancements from these methodologies in cutting-edge applications such as electromagnetic shielding, flexible sensors, and energy storage devices. However, the challenges remain from LM wettability, long-term stability, and corrosion risks. Future research may need to focus on optimizing interfaces, improving LM stability, incorporating sustainability, and exploring applications in nanorobotics and self-powered systems to drive progress in the field. This framework is intended to guide the rational design of next-generation LM-wood composites.