Structural insights, synthesis, and electrocatalysis of high entropy nanoparticles for fuel cell, metal-air battery, and water-splitting applications

High-entropy alloy nanoparticles (HEA-NPs) have recently sparked great interest in materials science. Their solid-solution states, derived from distinct HEA configurations, make them promising candidates for catalysts with exceptional activity, stability, and tunable performance. However, a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms governing their electrocatalytic behavior is still lacking, hindering the rational design of HEA electrocatalysts. This review summarizes the fundamental knowledge of HEA-NPs, including the structure-activity correlations of HEA-NPs, diverse synthesis strategies, and applications in electrochemical catalysis. The design strategies for guiding improvements in tunable performance were highlighted. The article concludes with insights, perspectives, and future directions, encapsulating the state-of-the-art knowledge and paving the way for further exploration in this dynamic field.