Liquid Letters

Using the interfacial jamming of cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) surfactants, we introduce a new concept, termed all-liquid molding, to produce all-liquid objects that retain the shape and details of the mold with high fidelity, yet remain completely liquid. This simple process, where the viscosity of the CNC dispersion can range from that of water to a cross-linked gel, opens tremendous opportunities for next generation soft materials. The process described is generally applicable to any functionalized nanoparticles dispersed in one liquid and polymer ligands having complementary functionality dissolved in a second immiscible liquid. Such sculpted liquids retain all the characteristics of the liquids but retain shape indefinitely, very much like a solid. These molded objects are fully liquid, have long-term stability, and can adapt or respond to external stimuli, providing a new platform for encapsulation, delivery systems, the development of sensors, and liquid electronic devices.