Recent advances in high-entropy materials for efficient alkali metal-ion batteries

Alkali metal-ion batteries (Li⁺/Na⁺/K⁺, AMIBs) are considered ideal choices for grid-scale energy storage systems due to their high energy density and long cycle life. However, issues such as insufficient structural stability of electrode materials and limited ion transport dynamics in electrolytes severely restrict their large-scale commercial applications. Notably, high-entropy design strategies characterized by four core effects-the high-entropy effect, lattice distortion effect, sluggish diffusion effect, and cocktail effect-have demonstrated remarkable transformative potential by synergistically enhancing the structural stability and ion/electron transport kinetics of materials, thereby significantly improving the electrochemical performance of AMIBs. In this review, we focus on the four core effects of high-entropy materials in AMIBs, highlighting their roles in enhancing the performance of cathode/anode materials, electrolytes, electrode/electrolyte interfaces, and full cells. We comprehensively summarize the current research progress and delve into advanced characterization techniques for high-entropy materials. In addition, this review offers a detailed summary of rational structural design strategies and fundamental guiding principles for high-entropy materials in efficient AMIBs. We hope that this review will inspire greater interest in the development of high-entropy AMIBs and pave the way for their future commercial applications.