High-entropy alloys for hydrogen storage, separation, and detection: Recent progress and prospects

As a pivotal clean energy carrier with promising efficiency, environmental friendliness, and sustainability, hydrogen stands at the forefront of the global energy technology revolution. However, achieving the efficient storage, easy separation, and trace detection of hydrogen remain critical challenges. High-entropy alloys (HEAs) have garnered attention because of their remarkable attributes, including high stability, single-phase reversibility, and a wide tunable range of composition and electronic structure. Commencing with a succinct background overview, we explore the pivotal role of theoretical methods in designing the phase structure and ensuring the stability of HEAs, focusing especially on diverse element types and contents. We then present a summary of prevalent methods for preparing HEAs, followed by a detailed examination of recent advances in their hydrogen-related properties, encompassing hydrogen storage, separation, and detection. Finally, we look at the existing challenges and offer perspectives on the trajectory of future research and applications in this promising technological domain.