Identification number: lzp-2024/1-0632
Type: Latvian Council of Science Fundamental and Applied Research project
Project duration: 01.01.2025.-31.12.2027.
Project Leader: Dr. Habil. phys., PhD. Smagul Karazhanov, Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia
Total funding: 300 000 EUR
Project title: Innovative Thin Films of Rare-Earth Metal Oxyhydrides: Unlocking New Applications
Project aim:
The project aims to develop new materials based on oxyhydrides of high entropy rare earth metal elements. Distinct from the mixed anion oxyhydrides including a single cation and two types of anions, the new materials contain more than one type of cations and two anions. The oxyhydrides of the high entropy rare earth and transition metal elements are expected to possess more advanced photochromic performance than the single anion ones.
Expected scientific results:
In today's quest for materials that boast enhanced properties, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability, the emergence of high-entropy rare-earth metal oxyhydrides (HEREMO) stands out as a promising game-changer. HEREMO, defined as solid solution materials with quasi-equimolar multicomponents, exhibits a unique structural characteristic - antisite disordering of atomic types within an ordered crystal. This structural peculiarity opens up intriguing avenues for exploration across a wide array of applications, ranging from smart windows to functional coatings, sensors, and catalysts. Review literature underscores the versatility of high-entropy materials, showcasing their efficacy in diverse energy-related applications. However, despite their promise, challenges persist, including a lack of comprehensive understanding, limited characterization techniques, and the need for advanced fabrication methods. This project focuses on the synthesis and characterization of HEREMO and its derivatives with the aim of unlocking new frontiers in materials science. Through a combination of experimental investigations and theoretical modeling, we seek to delve into the structural, electronic, and optical properties of HEREMO materials. By addressing key challenges and leveraging innovative approaches, our research aims to pave the way for transformative applications of HEREMO across diverse technological domains.