Mechanical Properties and Structural Stability of Semiconducting Electrides: Insights For Material

Semiconducting electrides have emerged as a unique class of materials characterized by the presence of interstitial electrons that act as localized anions, contributing to their exceptional mechanical and structural properties. This systematic review evaluates the mechanical properties, structural stability, and potential applications of semiconducting electrides, analyzing findings from 112 peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2022. The study employs the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to ensure a rigorous and transparent review process. Key findings reveal that electrides exhibit high elastic moduli, fracture toughness, and resistance to deformation, making them suitable for lightweight structural components, wear-resistant materials, and high-temperature environments. The review also emphasizes the critical role of defect engineering and doping in optimizing the mechanical properties of electrides and highlights advancements in synthesis techniques, such as chemical vapor deposition and solvothermal methods, which have significantly improved their material quality and scalability. Furthermore, the study identifies research gaps, including the need for long-term stability studies under cyclic loading and the exploration of hybrid electrides for multifunctional applications. By synthesizing experimental, computational, and theoretical findings, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of semiconducting electrides and their transformative potential in mechanical systems, laying a foundation for future research and industrial applications.