A controlled motion of electrically neutral microparticles in a conductive liquid at high temperatures
has not yet been realized under the uniform direct electric current field. We propose a simple
method, which employs pulsed direct current to a conductive liquid metal containing lowconductivity
objects at high temperature. The electric current enables the low-conductivity particles
to pass from the centre towards the various surfaces of the high-conductivity liquid metal. Most
interestingly, the directionality of microparticles can be controlled and their speed can be easily
regulated by adjusting pulsed current density. We find that the movement may arise from the
configuration of electrical domains which generates a driving force which exceeds the force of gravity
and viscous friction. All of these features are of potential benefit in separating the particles of nearly
equal density but distinctly different electrical conductivities, and also offer considerable promise for
the precise and selective positioning of micro-objects or the controlled motion of minute quantities
of surrounding fluids.