Order within disorder: Unveiling the potential of high entropy materials in energy storage and electrocatalysis

The growing field of High entropy Materials (HEMs) is gaining prominence in energy storage and electrocatalysis due to their unique properties and potential applications. HEMs, deviate from traditional materials because of compositional complexity and high configurational entropy resulting in some intriguing physical and chemical properties. Tracing its origin in metallurgy, HEMs have eventually evolved in subclasses like High Entropy Alloys, Oxides, Carbides, Nitrides, and others. This review delves into the history of HEMs from their inception to current innovations, highlighting their formation, properties, and applications. The review discusses the factors influencing HEM formation, such as atomic size mismatch, mixing enthalpy, and entropy contributions. These elements collectively govern the phase formation, thereby enhancing the properties like strength, wear and corrosion resistance, and thermal stability. Focusing on energy storage, the review elaborates on the incorporation of HEMs in various battery technologies like Lithium-Ion, Sodium-Ion, and Lithium-Sulfur batteries, illustrating their enhanced performance, stability, and safety. In electrocatalysis, the multifaceted composition of HEMs facilitates efficient catalysis, contributing to improved energy conversion processes.