Alloy Formation Research Articles

Dual-Seed Strategy for High-Performance Anode-Less All-Solid-State Batteries.

Interest in all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs), particularly the anode-less type, has grown alongside the expansion of the electric vehicle (EV) market, because they offer advantages in terms of their energy density and manufacturing cost. However, in most anode-less ASSBs, the anode is covered by a protective layer to ensure stable lithium (Li) deposition, thus requiring high temperatures to ensure adequate Li ion diffusion kinetics through the protective layer. This study proposes a dual-seed protective layer consisting of silver (Ag) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles for sulfide-based anode-less ASSBs. This dual-seed-based protective layer not only facilitates Li diffusion via multiple lithiation pathways over a wide range of potentials, but also enhances the mechanical stability of the anode interface through the in situ formation of a Ag-Zn alloy with high ductility. The capacity retention during full-cell evaluation is 80.8% for 100 cycles when cycled at 1mA cm-2 with 3 mAh cm-2 at room temperature. The dual-seed approach provides useful insights into the design of multi-seed concepts in which, from a mechanochemical perspective, various lithiophilic materials synergistically impact upon the anode-less interface.

Optimization of density and cost in the prediction of solid solution formation of multicomponent metal alloys

Multicomponent alloys or high-entropy alloys (HEAs) are the most recent breakthroughs in the metal alloying area. Their unique possibilities in mechanical properties and their vast universe of combinations turn them into a highly active research area. The properties of HEAs depend on the solid solution formation, which can be predicted by calculation. Therefore, we present a method to simulate discrete compositions of the alloy elements in the software MD 2.0, created to calculate four parameters and provide their associated statuses to predict the solid solution formation in multicomponent alloys. The HEA CoCrCuFeNi was subjected to calculation in MD 2.0, and, if all the imposed restrictions and criteria are concomitantly attended: (a) the minimum density (8.426 g/cm3) solid solution formation refers to 33.122% Co, 6.491% Cr, 9.984% Cu, 34.909% Fe, and 15.494% Ni composition; (b) the minimum specific cost (US$/kg 7.560) under solid solution formation addresses 5.059% Co, 5.174% Cr, 31.553% Cu, 33.975% Fe, and 24.239% Ni composition. Given this result, it is possible to select the optimized composition of the alloy according to the design objective.

Effect of Beam Oscillation on Weld Formation, Porosity, Grain Structure, and Mechanical Properties in Electron Beam Welding 5B70 Aluminum Alloy

Effect of Beam Oscillation on Weld Formation, Porosity, Grain Structure, and Mechanical Properties in Electron Beam Welding 5B70 Aluminum Alloy

Thermodynamic modeling of liquid binary alloys of the Al–Er system

The paper presents the results of a study of the thermochemical properties of the Al–Er system. The thermodynamic characteristics were evaluated (△fH0298, S0298, (H0298−H00), Cp(T) and Cp(liq)) for the intermetallic compounds Al3Er, Al2Er, AlEr, Al2Er3, AlEr2. The values of△fH0298 calculated based on the semiempirical Miedema model adapted for the group of Al–REM alloys were taken for calculations and amounted to –47.7, –58.4, –63, –55.2, –46.8 kJ/mol∙at, respectively. The mixing characteristics of liquid alloys of this system were evaluated by Terra software package for modeling the equilibrium states of heterogeneous inorganic systems with an extensive database of properties of individual substances. The model of ideal solutions of interaction products was used as a computational model. Modeling of equilibrium composition and properties of melts was carried out in the temperature range of 1900–2100 K, in an argon atmosphere at a total pressure of 0.1 MPa in the system. Comparison of the obtained results with the simulation results in the approximation of an ideal solution, allowed us to determine the excess integral thermodynamic properties of liquid alloys (Gibbs energy, enthalpy, and entropy). It is shown that in the studied temperature range, with an increase of temperature, there is a natural, though not significant, decrease in the values of these parameters by absolute value. It is established that the formation of liquid alloys of the Al–Er system is accompanied by significant heat release: the value of the integral enthalpy of mixing at a temperature T = 2100 K is –58.9 kJ/ mol∙at. When comparing the thermochemical properties of the Al–Er system with the binary systems Al–Y and Al–Sc studied by the same methods, it is shown that all energy curves pass through the extremum at XSc,Y,Er ≈ 0.5. The strongest interaction of the components is observed in the Al–Y system, (ΔHmix = –58.9 kJ/mol∙at), which is close enough to the maximum modulo value of the enthalpy of mixing in the Al–Er system. The weakest interaction is observed in the Al–Sc system (ΔHmix = –44.8 kJ/mol·at). The results obtained in this work provide a theoretical basis for further experimental study of erbium–containing aluminum alloys.

Local Strain Effects on Lattice Defect Dynamics and Interstitial Dislocation Loop Formation in Irradiated Tungsten-Molybdenum Alloys: A Molecular Dynamics Study.

In this study, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used to investigate how alloying tungsten (W) with molybdenum (Mo) and local strain affect the primary defect formation and interstitial dislocation loops (IDLs) in W-Mo alloys. While the number of Frenkel pairs (FPs) in the W-Mo alloy is similar to pure W, it is half that of pure Mo. The W-20% Mo alloy, chosen for further analysis, showed minimal FP variance after collision cascades induced by primary knock-on atoms (PKAs) at 10 to 80 keV. The research examined hydrostatic strains from -1.4% to 1.6%, finding that higher strains correlated with increased FP counts and cluster formation, including IDLs. The following two types of IDLs were identified: majority ½ <111> loops as well as <100> IDLs that formed within the initial picoseconds of the simulations under higher tensile strain (1.6%) and larger PKA energies (80 keV). The strain effects also correlated with changes in threshold displacement energy (TDE), with higher FP formation under tensile strain. This study highlights the impact of strain and alloying on radiation damage, particularly in low-temperature, high-energy environments.

Characterizing the surface compositions of supported bimetallic PtSn clusters: Effects of cluster-support interactions and surface adsorbates

PtSn bimetallic clusters on TiO2(110) and highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) surfaces have been characterized by scanning tunneling microscopy, low energy ion scattering (LEIS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and temperature programmed desorption (TPD); density functional theory (DFT) calculations have also been performed to better understand adsorption of CO and D2 on the PtSn surfaces. On TiO2 at coverages of 2 ML of Pt and 2 ML of Sn, exclusively bimetallic clusters are formed for both orders of deposition because clusters of the first metal completely cover the surface such that all atoms of the second metal are incorporated into the existing clusters. In contrast, on HOPG, the high mobility and weak cluster-support interactions on HOPG result in much larger 2 ML monometallic clusters (∼30 Å high) that do not completely cover the surface, and deposition of the second metal produces larger clusters as well as smaller ones. Despite the difference in cluster morphologies for the different orders of deposition and supports, the LEIS experiments demonstrate that in all cases, the PtSn clusters are rich in Sn at the surface, as expected based on the lower surface free energy for Sn compared to Pt. Furthermore, the +0.2 eV shift in the Sn(3d5/2) binding energy observed on all surfaces in the presence of Pt is consistent with PtSn alloy formation. Deposition of 2 ML of Sn on TiO2 produces two-dimensional clusters with oxidation of Sn and reduction of titania at the cluster-support interface, but addition of Pt to the Sn clusters causes Sn to diffuse away from this interface, leaving Sn in the metallic state. TPD experiments on 2 ML Pt/TiO2 with increasing coverages of Sn show that the number of adsorption sites for D2 sharply decreases to nearly zero at 0.5 ML, while CO adsorption decreases to zero only at much higher Sn coverages of 2 ML. DFT studies for Sn modified Pt surfaces and bulk structures demonstrate that for CO adsorption at low Sn coverages (≤0.25 ML), the strong Pt-CO interactions induce diffusion of Pt to the cluster surface and the formation of a bulk Pt3Sn alloy, whereas D2 adsorption does not lead to interactions with the Pt surface that are strong enough to induce alloy formation. A single Sn adatom prevents D2 adsorption on four neighboring Pt atoms via site-blocking and the donation of electron density to Pt.

Hybrid conductive-lithophilic-fluoride triple protection interface engineering: Dendrite-free reverse lithium deposition for high-performance lithium metal batteries

Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) with high energy density are impeded by the instability of solid electrolyte interface (SEI) and the uncontrolled growth of lithium (Li) dendrite. To mitigate these challenges, optimizing the SEI structure and Li deposition behavior is the key to stable LMBs. This study novelty proposes a facile synthesis of MgF2/carbon (C) nanocomposite through the mechanochemical reaction between metallic Mg and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) powders, and its modified polypropylene (PP) separator enhances LMB performance. The in-situ formed highly conductive fluorine-doped C species play a crucial role in facilitating ion/electron transport, thereby accelerating electrochemical kinetics and altering Li deposition direction. During cycling, the in-situ reaction between MgF2 and Li leads to the formation of LiMg alloy, along with a LiF-rich SEI layer, which reduces the nucleation overpotential and reinforces the interphase strength, leading to homogeneous Li deposition with dendrite-free feature. Benefiting from these merits, the Li metal is densely and uniformly deposited on the MgF2/C@PP separator side rather than on the current collector side. Furthermore, the symmetric cell with MgF2/C@PP exhibits superb Li plating/stripping performance over 2800 h at 1 mA cm−2 and 2 mA h cm−2. More importantly, the assembled Li@MgF2/C@PP|LiFePO4 full cell with a low negative/positive ratio of 3.6 delivers an impressive cyclability with 82.7% capacity retention over 1400 cycles at 1 C.

The effect of interfacial alloy formation on the mechanical properties of the additively manufactured Ti6Al4V/Ti1Al8V5Fe microstructurally graded material

Multi-material (MM) structures have been shown in the past to be potential candidates for future high performance high strain rate applications. With the advancement of MM additive manufacturing (AM), there is a renewed push to explore the vast array of materials combinations to deliver advanced protective capabilities. At the same time, many fundamental issues are still plaguing MM assemblies, primarily linked to the often-poor quality of the MM interface. Here, we present a novel approach to obtain microstructural and mechanical properties gradient without interface defects by leveraging the link between the chemical composition and complex grain/phase morphology in titanium alloys. We used additive manufacturing (AM) to combine α+β-titanium alloy Ti6Al4V with metastable β-titanium alloy Ti1Al8V5Fe (which belong to different alloy classes but share common alloying elements), into a microstructurally graded material (MGM). Uniquely, the classic MM interface was replaced by the two additional intermixed alloy layers with unique chemical composition, microstructure and mechanical properties, with both ultimately making a significant contribution to the overall performance. The properties of these interface alloys are affected by many factors, such as thermal properties of the substrate, process parameters, alloying element distribution and post-manufacturing heat treatment. As a result, we showed that a superior combination of the strength and ductility could be achieved in the hybrid material after heat treatment compared to the original materials or the as-built hybrid material, which was ultimately attributed to the formation of the interface alloys. The presented approach is not limited to titanium alloys and could be extended to other materials systems and is expected to contribute to the development of a deeper understanding of the intermixing phenomena and its effects on microstructure and mechanical performance of MGMs, opening the door to a range of unique solutions in alloy and MM structural design for high performance applications.

Efficiently removal the lanthanides using electroreduction diffusion method/high-temperature adsorption technique

The consumption of electricity and the price of molten salt are key factors that limit the pyroprocessing of nuclear fuel. This paper proposes a strategy to reduce costs associated with pyroprocessing of spent fuel by combining electrolytic refining and molecular sieve adsorption for fission product removal and radioactive waste salt recovery. Firstly, we investigated the electrochemical process of ytterbium on a gallium film electrode in LiCl-KCl using various methods, calculating its kinetic parameters at different temperatures. Potentiostatic electrolysis experiments were conducted at 773 K, resulting in the formation of Ga-Yb alloy as the electrodeposited product with a ytterbium removal rate reaching 93.78 %. Then, we studied the adsorption behavior and mechanism of ytterbium through electrorefining combined with molecular sieve adsorption. Experimental results showed that the extraction rate achieved more than 99.99 %, significantly reducing electrolysis costs while increasing target nuclide removal rates. Finally, we investigated the molten salt adsorption mechanism using molecular sieves, identifying chemical ion exchange as the primary mechanism based on recalibration using pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and Weber-Morris kinetic models. In conclusion, combining electrodeposition and high-temperature adsorption provides an effective approach for recovering and utilizing waste salt in pyroprocessing.

Highly efficient selective hydrogenation of furfural to tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol over MOF-derived Co-Ni bimetallic catalysts: The effects of Co-Ni alloy and adsorption configuration

The targeted conversion of furfural (FA) over inexpensive catalyst is a critical and challenging project. Herein, CoNi alloy catalysts (xCoyNi/C) were prepared through one-step pyrolysis of metal–organic frameworks and used in furfural (FA) hydrogenation to tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (TFOL). The formation of CoNi alloy leads to a reconfiguration of the electronic structure on the metal surface, which affects the adsorption of functional groups on FA and furfuryl alcohol (FOL). In situ FT-IR analysis and DFT calculations verify that bimetallic CoNi alloy catalyst exhibits more suitable reactants adsorption and hydrogenation rate in comparison with the monometallic Co and monometallic Ni catalysts. Meanwhile, CoNi alloy significantly reduces the activation barrier from FOL to TFOL. Hence, the 1Co1Ni/C catalyst gives the highest TFOL yield of > 99 %. This study provides a simple strategy for the preparation of alloy catalysts for tuning product selectivity and presents practical potential for upgrading biomass-derived platform molecules.

In-Situ X-ray Diffraction/Fluorescence Analysis of Dy–Cu Electrochemical Alloying and Dealloying in Molten LiCl–KCl–DyCl3

Recycling spent Nd magnets is essential for maintaining a stable supply of rare earth (RE) elements prompting the development of a one-step recycling process using molten salt and alloy diaphragms. In this study, to investigate the mechanism of rapid alloy formation, an in-situ X-ray diffraction/fluorescence analysis of Dy–Cu electrochemical alloying and dealloying in molten LiCl–KCl–DyCl3 was performed. During the electrolysis, a diffraction peak corresponding to Cu was observed. In addition, X-ray fluorescence peaks of Dy were observed throughout the process. The area of the Dy X-ray fluorescence peak increased as the alloying progressed but remained relatively constant during the dealloying process. Compared with Dy–Ni alloying/dealloying, the areas of the fluorescence peaks were smaller. The results suggest a slower alloy formation rate with Cu than with Ni. Cross-sectional images show that the alloy formation rate is lower for Cu, which can be attributed to a larger crystal mismatch between the substrate and alloyed layer.

Activity and Stability of Iridium-Based Alloy Catalysts for PEM Electrolyzer

Bi-metallic alloy of Ir3Cr and Ir3Pt catalysts as well as Ir black as reference were synthesized by co-reduction route in sodium borohydride under hydrothermal condition. Well-distributed particles in the range of 1.7 - 2 nm in average were yielded. Ir alloy formation was confirmed by XRD spectra. Interestingly, after 1000 ADT cycle under half cell condition, Ir3Cr catalyst showed an enhanced activity of 7% and 59% for OER at 1.6 V compared to Ir3Pt and as prepared Ir black, respectively. Moreover, both alloy catalysts exhibited excellent stability with ~10 and 40 mV less overpotential for OER at 20 mA cm-2 compared to as-synthesized Ir black and commercial Ir black catalysts.

On the mechanism and energetics of electrochemical alloy formation between mercury and platinum for mercury removal from aqueous solutions

Mercury pollution is an acute global concern threatening the health of humans and wildlife. Thus, there is a need for new and improved techniques to reduce emissions and remove toxic mercury from aqueous environments. Electrochemical alloy formation, specifically between mercury ions in aqueous solution and a platinum electrode, emerges as a promising solution. Through analysis of reaction mechanisms and energetics related to the formation and dissolution of the PtHg4 alloy, this study aims to deepen our understanding of the underlying processes of effective electrochemical mercury removal. Potentiodynamic measurements indicate rapid alloy formation at a clean platinum surface, proceeding with only trace amounts of metallic mercury on the surface. However, once the electrode surface has sufficient mercury coverage with an alloy thickness of around 1.5 nm, clear evidence of metallic mercury on the surface is observed. Furthermore, the amount of absorbed mercury on the cathode increases linearly in time. The onset potential for the alloy formation is experimentally determined using electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring to be approximately 0.64 V vs. SHE, and the alloy dissolution (oxidation) onset potential is found to be approximately 0.98 V vs. SHE, at a mercury ion concentration of 10 mg/L. Density functional theory calculations are used to provide a theoretical value for the reversible potential from a thermodynamics perspective, yielding a value of 0.78 V vs. SHE at a mercury ion concentration of 10 mg/L. This value is in excellent agreement with the experimental results, suggesting an overpotential of about 0.14 and 0.20 V for the alloy formation and oxidation, respectively. These findings provide important information on the reaction mechanisms and overpotentials of the PtHg4 alloy formation and dissolution, which are key factors for development of large-scale mercury removal based on this technique, as well as fundamental understanding of the electrochemical alloy formation between mercury ions and platinum.

A phase field crystal model for real-time grain boundary formation and motion in complex concentration alloy

The complex concentration alloys exhibit the excellent mechanical property due to the dual roles of their heterogeneous compositions and microstructures. However, the formation and motion of grain boundaries to significantly regulate the mechanical properties remain unknown at several microsecond and nanoscale in the complex concentration alloys. Here, we utilize a phase field crystal model to investigate the real-time grain boundary formation and motion in complex concentration alloys, specifically, in comparison to traditional alloys, using the example of AlCu alloys. Our findings reveal that the low concentration alloys exhibit segregation primarily at grain boundaries with minimal compositional fluctuations over a long period of grain growth, and the complex concentration alloys display a high concentration gradient within the grains to cause rapid grain rotation and merging in a short time frame. In the complex concentration alloys, the large component fluctuations not only cause the local lattice distortion to hinder dislocation movement during the deformation process, but also lead to the occurrence from dislocation locking to self-unlocking, which is beneficial to improve the strength and ductility. The present work provides a real-time atomic-scale understanding of grain boundary evolution using in situ atomic-resolution simulations.

Tin–Phosphorus Alloy: The Impact of Temperature on Alloy Formation and the Influence of the Dross Amount on the Solder Bath Surface

Tin–Phosphorus Alloy: The Impact of Temperature on Alloy Formation and the Influence of the Dross Amount on the Solder Bath Surface

Understanding the Impact of Hydroxyls on Synthesizing the Bimetallic Alloy Pt3Co on Al2O3 for CO-PROX

The anchoring effect between surface hydroxyls (–OH) and metal species has been extensively utilized to enhance catalyst stability. Nevertheless, few studies have investigated the impact of alloying process involving different types of –OH species. In this research, we discovered that the formation of the alloy particles Pt3Co was significantly influenced by the presence of distinct –OH species on Al2O3. Intriguingly, those Pt3Co alloy particles exclusively formed on α-Al2O3 owing to the weak interaction between both Pt and Co species and the triply bridging hydroxyls (µ3-OH). In contrast, Pt and Co species were found to be separately dispersed on γ-Al2O3 because of the strong anchoring effect of terminal hydroxyls (µ1-OH), especially for Co atoms. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations highlighted the difference in adsorption energies of the two metals on different hydroxyl groups, providing a theoretical rationale for the influence of hydroxyl groups on alloy formation. The presence of Pt3Co alloy resulted in a fourfold increase in the specific catalytic rate of Pt3Co/α-Al2O3 in CO-PROX compared to Pt3Co/γ-Al2O3. Arguably for the first time, this study demonstrates the association between alloy formation and –OH groups, providing a unique perspective on the design of alloy catalysts.

In-situ polarization modulation IRRAS investigation of ammonia electrooxidation on Pt-Ir and Pt-Ru nanoparticles prepared on engineered catalyst supports

The catalytic activity and surface reactivity of monometallic Pt and bimetallic Pt-Ir and Pt-Ru nanoparticles, supported on two distinct Engineered Catalyst Supports (ECSs), were investigated for the Ammonia Electrooxidation Reaction (AmER) in alkaline media. XRD measurements confirmed alloy formation between Pt-Ir and Pt-Ru nanoparticles, as indicated by the shift of the (111) reflection to higher 2θ values. Cyclic voltammetry, linear sweep voltammetry, and chronoamperometry experiments were conducted to assess the catalytic activity of the Pt, Pt-Ir, and Pt-Ru electrocatalysts. All bimetallic catalysts exhibited lower onset potentials compared to Pt. The differing Tafel slopes between Pt (74 mV dec⁻¹), Pt-Ir (152 mV dec⁻¹), and Pt-Ru (118–197 mV dec⁻¹) suggest that alloying Pt with Ir or Ru alters the reaction mechanisms. Furthermore, the bimetallic Pt-Ir and Pt-Ru catalysts demonstrated greater tolerance for concentrated ammonia solutions relative to Pt.In-situ Polarization Modulation Infrared Reflection Absorption Spectroscopy (PM-IRRAS) provided insights into the formation of N-H species, azide anions (N₃⁻), and N-O compounds. For the Pt-Ru catalyst, an additional peak around ∼3600 cm⁻¹ was observed, corresponding to OH⁻ species. The PM-IRRAS results align with the Gerischer–Mauerer mechanism, indicating that partially dehydrogenated ammonia adsorbates act as active intermediates in the oxidation of ammonia over Pt-Ir and Pt-Ru catalysts.

Alloying and Segregation in PdRe/Al2O3 Bimetallic Catalysts for Selective Hydrogenation of Furfural

X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy, temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), and temperature-programmed hydride decomposition (TPHD) were employed to elucidate the structures of a series of PdRe/Al2O3 bimetallic catalysts for the selective hydrogenation of furfural. TPR evidenced low-temperature Re reduction in the bimetallic catalysts consistent of the migration of [ReO4]− (perrhenate) species to hydrogen-covered Pd nanoparticles on highly hydroxylated γ-Al2O3. TPHD revealed a strong suppression of β-PdHx formation in the reduced catalysts prepared by (i) co-impregnation and (ii) [HReO4] impregnation of the reduced Pd/Al2O3, indicating the formation of Pd-rich alloy nanoparticles; however, reduced catalysts prepared by (iii) [Pd(NH3)4]2+ impregnation of calcined Re/Al2O3 and subsequent re-calcination did not. Re LIII X-ray absorption edge shifts were used to determine the average Re oxidation states after reduction at 400 °C. XAFS spectroscopy and high-angle annular dark field (HAADF)-scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) revealed that a reduced 5 wt.% Re/Al2O3 catalyst contained small Re clusters and nanoparticles comprising Re atoms in low positive oxidation states (~1.5+) and incompletely reduced Re species (primarily Re4+). XAFS spectroscopy of the bimetallic catalysts evidenced Pd-Re bonding consistent with Pd-rich alloy formation. The Pd and Re total first-shell coordination numbers suggest that either Re is segregated to the surface (and Pd to the core) of alloy nanoparticles and/or segregated Pd nanoparticles are larger than Re nanoparticles (or clusters). The Cowley short-range order parameters are strongly positive indicating a high degree of heterogeneity (clustering or segregation of metal atoms) in these bimetallic catalysts. Catalysts prepared using the Pd(NH3)4[ReO4]2 double complex salt (DCS) exhibit greater Pd-Re intermixing but remain heterogeneous on the atomic scale.

Preparation of 97% pure nickel-cobalt alloy from waste Ni-MH batteries by using waste glass as a fluxing agent

With the e-waste growing rapidly all over the globe due to growing demand of electronics, smartphones, etc., coming up with an efficient and sustainable recycling process is the need of the hour. The present work reports a novel and sustainable process of manufacturing Ni alloy by bringing together three major waste streams such as waste Ni-MH batteries, e-waste plastics, and waste glass. The chosen temperature (1550 °C) favours the reduction of nickel-oxide by e-waste plastic as the reductant and sends rare earth elements present in the waste Ni-MH battery as oxide mixture to the slag phase. Waste glass powder used in this process functions as the fluxing agent, hence not requiring any additional flux. The reduction mechanism is gas-based, controlled mainly by hydrogen and carbon monoxide gases released as a result of decomposition of e-waste plastic as reaction commenced from cold zone (∼300 °C) to hot zone (1550 °C) in the horizontal tubular furnace. Formation of nickel alloy and enrichment of slag with mixture of rare earth oxides were confirmed by XRD, SEM-EDS, and Rietveld refining analysis performed on the XRD spectra of slag phase. ICP-OES (Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy) and LIBS (laser induced breakdown spectrometer KT-100S) confirmed the high metal content in the alloy, thereby emphasizing the purity (∼98%) which is close to the composition of nickel super alloy. A maximum of 61% by weight REO enrichment was achieved in the slag phase, having La2O3:44.6%, Pr2O3:14.8%, and Nd2O3: 1.6% under optimised experimental conditions (1550 °C, 15 min, and 20% waste glass powder). This scientific investigation evinces a promising route for efficient utilisation of waste streams emanating from e-waste, thereby devising a sustainable recycling technique and protecting the environment, too.

Recent progress in high‐entropy nanocatalysts

AbstractHigh‐entropy alloys (HEAs) are a promising group of materials composed of multiple elements (≥5) in nearly equal proportions (5 at%–35 at%), which exhibit uniformly mixed compositions and highly stable crystal structures and offer a wide range of design possibilities, making them exceptionally stable, multifunctional, and suitable for various applications. Recent research studies have identified the potential of HEAs as catalysts for electrocatalytic reactions, focusing on adjustable stress environments, optimizable d‐band centers, and high conformational entropy. Understanding the interactions among constituent elements, alloy formation, and catalytic reaction mechanisms is essential for optimizing HEAs' catalytic performance. This comprehensive review delves into the historical context, defining characteristics, and underlying significance of HEAs development. It also examines four primary effects of HEAs (high‐entropy effect, lattice distortion, sluggish diffusion, and cocktail effect) and their relevance to catalyst design criteria (selectivity, activity, stability, and cost). Additionally, it summarizes recent advances in nanostructured HEA catalyst synthesis, highlighting their advantages and challenges and explores the use of HEAs in electrocatalytic redox reactions involving small molecules (H, C, O, N). The paper underscores the importance of integrating experimental methods and theoretical calculations to design, synthesize, and understand alloy–property relationships of HEAs, emphasizing their vast potential for catalytic applications.