US scientists have developed a technology to synthesize high-entropy alloys at ordinary room temperature, opening up new opportunities for metallurgy, energy, and the aerospace industry. The new method allows for the creation of strong and durable materials without the use of high temperatures or complex equipment.
Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, have proposed a unique method for producing High-Entropy Alloys (HEAs), which consist of five or more components in roughly equal proportions. This “atomic disorder” gives the materials exceptional strength and durability, making them promising for the energy, chemical, and aerospace sectors.
Instead of the traditional high-temperature synthesis, the scientists used liquid gallium into which they placed metal salts in water. At temperatures between 25∘C and 80∘C (77∘F and 176∘F), the alloy formed almost instantly: the amorphous metal transformed into a crystal in just a tenth of a second, a process captured for the first time using transmission electron microscopy.
Early experiments only produced nanoparticles, but the refined method allowed for the creation of gram-scale samples with various crystal structures. The technology has already been patented, and the team plans to scale up production. In the future, HEAs could become key materials for batteries and fuel cells, reducing reliance on scarce minerals. The researchers’ next step will be to use artificial intelligence to create new alloy compositions and explore opportunities for environmentally friendly mineral extraction.
