Nanoscale structural evolution of gallium-copper, gallium-zinc, and gallium-bismuth alloys

Liquid metals (LMs) and alloys such as GaCu, GaZn, and GaBi may possess previously unresolved nanoscale structures that govern their physicochemical behaviour. We hypothesise that such structuring is alloy-dependent and thermally sensitive, arising from differences in material properties, growth kinetics, and thermodynamic behaviours, and that the presence of nanoscale structures can be detected and resolved using in-situ neutron scattering, supported by atomistic simulations. In-situ Small Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) was performed across a q -range of 0.004–0.5 Å −1 at 30, 60, and 90 °C on GaCu, GaZn, and GaBi alloys at 1, 2, and 5 wt%. Complementary Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations were utilised to interpret structural evolution at the atomic scale. The investigation demonstrates the presence of nanostructures in 1, 2 and 5 wt% GaCu alloys in the measured SANS range at 30 °C. Interestingly, these structures do not persist at elevated temperatures of 60 and 90 °C, indicating thermally driven homogenisation. In contrast, GaZn and GaBi alloys at similar concentrations do not exhibit any nanostructures, irrespective of the measured temperatures, highlighting alloy-specific structuring behaviour. These results provide new insight into nanoscale organisation within LMs and inform rational design for catalysis, electronics, and additive manufacturing applications. Combined SANS and MD simulations reveal the nanostructure of gallium-copper, gallium-zinc, and gallium-bismuth alloys.