High-entropy chalcogenides via ambient and scalable synthesis for efficient OER catalysis

The synthesis of high-entropy metal chalcogenides has long been constrained by the constraints of high-temperature synthesis, a process that is both time-intensive and energy-demanding due to formidable entropic barriers. Herein, we report a rapid, cost-effective, and ambient-temperature synthesis of high-entropy metal chalcogenides entirely in aqueous solution. This mild yet potent approach facilitates the formation of (NiCoFeMnCr)S, (NiCoFeMnCr)Se and (NiCoFeMnCr)Te which exhibit outstanding performance for the oxygen evolution reaction. Remarkably, this method is readily scalable, capable of producing over 100 g of high-entropy sulfide materials in a single batch. Beyond delivering highly active and energy-efficient OER electrocatalysts, this work establishes a versatile and sustainable pathway for the low-temperature, large-scale synthesis of diverse high-entropy nanomaterials, broadening the synthetic landscape for next-generation energy technologies. A simple water-based method makes it possible to create high-entropy metal chalcogenides at room temperature, avoiding the need for high heat. This gentle but scalable process can yield over 100 g high entropy metal sulfides in one batch and produces materials with excellent OER performance, offering a greener and more practical way to develop advanced electrocatalysts. • A rapid and cost-effective ambient-temperature aqueous synthesis route for high-entropy metal chalcogenides is developed. • Entropy change is the main driving force that makes the formation transition metal sulfides energetically favorable. • High-entropy metal sulfide nanoparticles exhibit strong OER activity, outperforming the benchmark RuO 2 catalyst.