High-Entropy Ceramic Coatings

High-entropy ceramics (HECs) have emerged as a significant focus of research within the field of materials science. Analogous to high-entropy alloys (HEAs), these materials are engineered based on the high-entropy effect and typically comprise at least five equimolar or near-equimolar cations and anions. However, HECs exhibit fundamental differences from HEAs in terms of their composition, bonding characteristics, microstructure, properties, and potential applications. HEC coatings represent an extension of HEC materials into the domain of surface engineering, where they serve critical roles in both structural and functional contexts. The structure and performance of these coatings are profoundly influenced by factors such as the high-entropy effect, lattice distortion, sluggish diffusion, and synergistic interactions, endowing them with distinctive attributes compared to conventional ceramic coatings. As a result, HEC coatings are becoming increasingly prominent in various advanced applications, including mechanical protection, corrosion resistance, thermal barrier coatings, and optical and electronic devices.