New functionalities in abundant element oxides: ubiquitous element strategy.

Most ceramic materials are made from the ten most abundant elements in Earth's crust. However, many advanced materials rely on rare elements, creating a growing imbalance between supply and demand. This growing reliance on rare elements has raised concerns about a potential 'rare-element crisis.' Prior research has shown that the scarcity of these elements threatens the sustainability of future material innovations. No prior work had resolved how to replace rare elements in high-performance materials. That uncertainty drove the need for alternative strategies in materials design. This gap motivated the exploration of abundant elements as viable substitutes. Researchers have already identified that ceramics can be engineered with unique properties. Yet, the full potential of abundant elements in advanced applications remains underexplored.

The purpose of this review is to introduce a new materials strategy focused on abundant elements. The goal is to shift material innovation from rare to ubiquitous elements. This approach aims to address the imbalance in element availability. The specific problem is the rising scarcity of rare elements in advanced materials. The motivation is to ensure long-term sustainability of material science. The review highlights how abundant elements can be used in electronic, thermionic, and structural materials. This work proposes a framework for rethinking material composition. It emphasizes the need for innovative applications of common elements.

The review approach includes a synthesis of recent research findings. The authors analyze electronic, thermionic, and structural materials. They focus on materials composed of the ten most abundant elements. The strategy involves replacing rare elements with ubiquitous ones in devices. The approach is based on experimental and theoretical studies. The authors examine how these materials perform in practical applications. They compare the properties of rare-element-based and abundant-element-based materials. The synthesis includes a discussion of material design and functionality.

Key findings suggest that abundant elements can replace rare ones in electronic materials. For example, ceramics made from abundant elements show comparable performance. Thermionic materials using abundant elements demonstrate similar efficiency. Structural materials based on common elements maintain mechanical integrity. The review highlights that these materials can be synthesized using standard methods. Some materials even outperform their rare-element counterparts in specific applications. The findings suggest that abundant elements can be used in a wide range of devices. This approach may reduce reliance on rare elements in advanced technologies.

The synthesis of findings suggests that abundant elements can be used in place of rare ones. The authors propose that this strategy may help avoid future material shortages. They suggest that electronic and structural materials can benefit from this approach. The implications include a shift in materials design toward sustainability. The review does not claim that all rare elements can be replaced. It does not propose that all applications will benefit equally. The authors suggest that further research is needed to optimize these materials. They conclude that the ubiquitous element strategy may be a viable alternative.