More disorder is better: Cutting-edge progress of high entropy materials in electrochemical energy storage applications

Abstract

Innovative developments in energy storage applications have been significantly propelled by the exceptional structural and functional properties of high entropy materials. The clever combination of diverse elements within these materials provides outstanding mechanical strength, unparalleled ionic conductivity, and exceptional thermal stability, making them highly desirable for advanced energy-related applications. Herein, this review focuses on the recent developments of high entropy materials in the electrochemical energy storage field. Firstly, the background and basic concepts of high entropy materials are defined. Secondly, the advances in applications of a variety of high entropy materials in electrochemical energy storage are reviewed. The latent working mechanisms of high entropy-related effects (high-entropy effect, lattice disorder effect, sluggish diffusion effect, and “cocktail” effect) on the key factors of electrochemical energy storage properties, such as electrode structure stability and electrolyte ion transport characteristics, are discussed. Finally, the challenges and opportunities on the way of widespread applications of high entropy materials in electrochemical energy storage are outlined.