Recent research progress on high-entropy alloys as electrocatalytic materials

Abstract

High-entropy alloys (HEAs), that are composed of more than five metal elements in almost equimolar ratios, have gained considerable interest as electrocatalytic materials because of their high catalytic activity, high porosity, and excellent stability. HEAs have controllable electronic structures and geometric configurations, which give the prepared materials an unexpected catalytic activity. This review focuses on introducing the research progress on HEAs in recent years and analyses and summarises the new preparation methods, catalytic properties, and theoretical research on the materials. In addition, the opportunities for and challenges faced by HEAs as electrocatalysts are presented. • Covers the preparation methods and feasibility analysis of the HEA nanocatalysts. • No perfect method for industrial preparation of HEA; more scientific studies needed. • Preparation of inexpensive HER catalysts has attracted widespread attention. • Unique structural properties of HEAs improve catalytic performance and reduce costs. • ORR slow kinetics is a key problem to apply fuel cells and metal-oxygen batteries.