What Non-Flammable, Conductive Chemicals Can Be Used in Liquid Form?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on non-flammable, conductive chemicals in liquid form, highlighting options such as liquid metals like mercury (Hg) and gallium (Ga), as well as liquid hydrogen fluoride (HF) and liquid ammonia. Participants emphasize the utility of liquid metals in applications like orientation switches due to their low viscosity and high conductivity. However, the toxicity of mercury is noted, with restrictions on its retail use in the USA. The conversation also touches on the potential hazards of using water with dissolved ionic compounds, which can lead to redox reactions and the generation of flammable hydrogen gas.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of liquid metals and their properties
  • Knowledge of chemical conductivity and its applications
  • Familiarity with redox reactions and their implications
  • Awareness of chemical safety regulations regarding toxic substances
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties and applications of liquid metals, specifically mercury and gallium
  • Explore the safety and regulatory aspects of using mercury in various applications
  • Learn about the chemical behavior of liquid hydrogen fluoride and its uses
  • Investigate alternative non-flammable conductive liquids for specific applications
USEFUL FOR

Chemists, materials scientists, and engineers looking for safe, conductive liquid alternatives for various applications, as well as safety professionals concerned with chemical regulations and hazards.

paraskevi
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Hi, I am not a Chem student but I have a few questions.

I am looking for a non flammable chemical that is also conductive.Liquid form preferred!
Multiple suggestions appreciated...
 
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paraskevi said:
Hi, I am not a Chem student but I have a few questions.

I am looking for a non flammable chemical that is also conductive.Liquid form preferred!
Multiple suggestions appreciated...
What about water with salts or strong acids or strong bases dissolved in it?
Among pure substances: a liquid metal (Hg, Ga or any other metal which can be melted; in case, low melting point alloys) liquid HF, liquid ammonia.
 
What sort of application are you looking at? Water with an ionic or polar covalent compound dissociated in it it can cause redox reactions to occur (especially if you have non-inert metal electrodes). This can cause the creation of flammable hydrogen gas (with oxygen as an accelerant) and it can degrade components.

I agree with lightarrow that a liquid metal is handy. Mercury is used in some orientation switches because of its low viscosity and high conductivity.

This guy has a cheap indium and gallium liquid metal alloy if you are interested:
http://sci-toys.com/scitoys/scitoys/thermo/liquid_metal/liquid_metal.html
 
Last edited:
wil3 said:
.I agree with lightarrow that a liquid metal is handy. Mercury is used in some orientation switches because of its low viscosity and high conductivity.
In the USA, mercury is banned from most or all retail products due to the toxicity of methyl mercury.
Mercury can amalgamate other metals (e.g., silver, gold, copper) and corrode others (e.g., aluminum).
About 1950, I panned lots of mercury near abandoned mercury mines in California (mercury was used to make primer during WW II), and have given most of it away.
 

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