Order and Disorder in Amorphous and High-Entropy Materials

The article delves into the intricacies of order and disorder in amorphous and high-entropy materials, focusing on the role of entropy in the development of new materials. It discusses the shift from traditional alloy design to the use of multiple elements in concentrated solid-solution structures. The article introduces various types of high-entropy materials, such as high-entropy ceramics, intermetallics, films, polymers, and alloys, and highlights the critical role of entropy in stabilizing these materials. Notably, the article presents original research on porous high-entropy nitrides, using them as model compositions to clarify the general roles of entropy and disorder in high-entropy ceramics. The unique properties and potential applications of high-entropy materials, including their use as solar thermal films, cladding alloys for nuclear fuels, and cutting tools, are also discussed. The article concludes by proposing key areas for future development in high-entropy materials, emphasizing the need for new phase formation rules and the potential of combinatorial preparation techniques.