# Scientists uncover previously unknown properties of gallium

**URL:** <https://community.materialssquare.com/t/scientists-uncover-previously-unknown-properties-of-gallium/446>\
**Category:** News\
**Created:** [June 28, 2024, 2:49pm UTC](https://community.materialssquare.com/t/scientists-uncover-previously-unknown-properties-of-gallium/446 "2024-06-28T14:49:10Z")\
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**Author:** ![gabriele1](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex003/user_avatar/community.materialssquare.com/gabriele1/32/20_2.png) [@gabriele1](https://community.materialssquare.com/u/gabriele1)\
**Post date:** [June 28, 2024, 2:49pm UTC](https://community.materialssquare.com/t/scientists-uncover-previously-unknown-properties-of-gallium/446/1 "2024-06-28T14:49:10Z")

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Scientists at the University of Auckland have discovered new properties of gallium, revealing its unique behavior at the atomic level. Unlike most metals, gallium forms ‘dimers’ and is less dense as a solid than as a liquid. Research shows covalent bonds in gallium disappear at melting point but reappear at higher temperatures, challenging previous assumptions. This insight is crucial for advancements in nanotechnology and creating new materials, including liquid metal catalysts and self-assembling structures.

For more details, visit [Phys.org](http://Phys.org):

> **[Scientists uncover previously unknown properties of gallium](https://phys.org/news/2024-06-scientists-uncover-previously-unknown-properties.html)**
>
> Nearly 150 years after gallium was discovered and added to the periodic table, University of Auckland scientists have uncovered previously-unknown aspects of the metal's structure and behavior.