Single-element amorphous metals

Abstract

To unveil the nature of amorphous states, single-element amorphous metals have been the perfect research subject due to the simplest composition. However, the extreme crystal nucleation and growth rate in single-element metal make the synthesis of single-element amorphous metals seemingly impossible in the past. Fortunately, benefited by several delicate synthetic strategies developed recently, the single-element amorphous metals have been successfully demonstrated. This review aims to provide a systematic overview of the synthesis of single-element amorphous metals covering the challenges in physics and recent achievements. In addition, current understanding of the atomic and electronic structures of single-element amorphous metal has also been included. Finally, the challenges that worth further investigation are discussed. By identifying the potential avenues for further exploration, this review aims to contribute valuable insights that will propel the cognition of single-element amorphous metals.