All-d-Metal Full Heusler Alloys: A Novel Class of Functional Materials

Full Heusler alloys display a wide range of physical phenomena with potential applications in different areas. However, researchers still struggle to overcome many limiting factors to optimize their functional properties. Particularly, the poor mechanical properties of the X2YZ series undermine its exploration as shape memory alloys and solid-state cooling materials. Recently, the suppression of p–d covalent hybridization characteristic of these alloys came up as a promising approach, resulting in novel compounds displaying enhanced mechanical properties and large caloric effects. These materials have been named all-d-metal Heusler alloys. We discuss this advanced functional behavior in light of the recent theoretical and experimental findings. Moreover, we point out some open questions suggesting different pathways to guide further research on this topic.