Ordered Structures with Functional Units as a Paradigm of Material Design

Abstract Realizing new functions through the construction of ordered structures not only exists naturally in nature, but also in artificial materials. However, much research focuses more on the relationship between structure and performance rather than on the impact of functional units themselves. Reviewing previous research findings, a “paradigm” of material research is proposed, which is based on ordered structures with functional units (OSFU) such as compositions, phases, domains, and twins. The goal is to draw more intensive attention of researchers to this concept and thus to promote the development of this field toward a deeper and broader direction, producing highly influential research results.