Nested order-disorder framework containing a crystalline matrix with self-filled amorphous-like innards.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Solid-State Physics
• Crystallography

Background:

• Solids are classified as crystalline (ordered) or amorphous (disordered) based on atomic arrangement.
• Crystalline-amorphous hybrid structures offer potential for novel material properties.
• Sublattice-level hybridization of crystalline and amorphous structures is rarely achieved.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a novel nested order-disorder framework (NOF) in solid-state materials.
• To investigate the formation mechanism and properties of this hybrid structure.
• To demonstrate sublattice-scale linkage between crystalline and amorphous states.

Main Methods:

• Utilized pressure to regulate the bonding hierarchy of Cu12Sb4S13.
• Employed combined in situ experimental and computational methods.
• Analyzed the resulting structural and property changes.

Main Results:

• Successfully constructed a NOF with a crystalline matrix and amorphous-like innards.
• Observed the formation of a disordered Cu sublattice within a retained crystalline Cu framework.
• Achieved low thermal conductivity (~0.24 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹) and metallic electrical conductivity (8 × 10⁻⁶ Ω·m).

Conclusions:

• Demonstrated a new category of solid-state materials bridging crystalline and amorphous forms at the sublattice scale.
• The NOF structure enables collaborative improvement of competing physical properties.
• This approach opens avenues for designing materials with extraordinary emergent properties.