A reevaluation of radiation resistance in high-entropy pyrochlores: The role of entropy

This study aims to explore the role of entropy in the radiation resistance of high-entropy pyrochlores by combining experimental results and theoretical calculations. A carefully designed compositional strategy was crucial for reducing the impact of element differences on the radiation resistance of pyrochlore. This approach enabled the acquisition of direct experimental results regarding the influence of entropy on radiation performance. The high-entropy pyrochlores were irradiated with high-energy (352.8 MeV) Fe ions to evaluate their radiation resistance. The results indicate that as entropy increases, the sensitivity of high-entropy pyrochlores to amorphization decreases. Bader charge analysis reveals that increasing entropy at the A-site significantly alters the bonding environment of A-site cations and reduces the covalency of the bond. Further calculations of cation antisite defect formation energy indicate that increasing entropy lowers the defect formation energy. These findings provide new insights for the potential application of high entropy materials in extreme environments.