News

High entropy oxides (HEOs) are a relatively new and exciting class of materials that have captivated the attention of researchers due to their exceptional properties and versatile potential across various advanced applications. These materials are composed of more than four different metallic elements, typically in near-equal atomic ratios. This unique composition grants them high configurational entropy, offering a wide range of degrees of freedom within their crystal lattice.

Thanks to this complexity, HEOs exhibit a combination of remarkable properties: excellent thermal stability, corrosion resistance, mechanical strength, and electronic conductivity. These traits make them ideal candidates for use in the following fields:

Energy Applications
HEOs show great potential in fuel cells, batteries, and supercapacitors. Their ability to remain stable at high temperatures and in oxidative environments makes them suitable for electrode materials. They can significantly improve the efficiency and durability of modern energy systems.

Catalysis
Due to their structurally complex and chemically diverse nature, HEOs exhibit outstanding catalytic behavior. They are promising candidates in oxidation and reduction reactions, synthetic chemical processes, and the development of energy-efficient materials in the chemical industry.

Surface Protection
Their resistance to corrosion and high temperatures makes them ideal for use in protective coatings in aggressive environments, such as those encountered in petrochemical, oil, and aerospace industries.

High-Temperature Environments
HEOs are well-suited for industries that operate at extreme temperatures, such as thermal energy production, high-temperature reactors, and material processing. Their thermal stability allows them to survive conditions that would degrade most conventional materials.

Corrosive and Oxidative Conditions
These materials maintain integrity even in the presence of high pressures, corrosive chemicals, and extreme oxidative stress, making them ideal for chemical plants, oil and gas infrastructure, and other harsh industrial settings.

Aerospace and Defense
In aerospace and military applications, where materials must endure intense thermal fluctuations and radiation exposure, HEOs offer valuable protection — whether on the surface of aircraft, rockets, or space equipment.

Nuclear Applications
In nuclear reactors, where materials must tolerate high radiation, temperature, and chemical reactivity, HEOs present a promising solution. Their robustness makes them suitable for use in fuel elements, shielding materials, and structural components.

Advanced Energy Devices
In extreme conditions, such as those found in electric vehicles, aircraft, or space technology, HEOs can increase the safety and lifespan of batteries and energy systems by enhancing electrode stability.

High-Pressure Systems
For deep-sea operations, high-energy physics experiments, or advanced manufacturing environments where high pressure and temperature are constant threats, HEOs offer unmatched structural resilience.

Looking ahead, research on high entropy oxides is expected to focus on refining synthesis techniques and tailoring their structure at the nanoscale. Advances in controlling their crystallography could open new possibilities for custom-designed materials. Moreover, a deeper understanding of their aging and degradation mechanisms will be crucial to extending their service life under the extreme demands of modern technologies.

Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Branko Matović

Centre of Excellence "CEXTREME LAB",

Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences - National Institute of thе Republic of Serbia,

University of Belgrade, Mike Petrovica Alasa 12-14,

11000 Belgrade, Serbia