Synthesis and Structural Evolution of AgCuCoNiFe High-Entropy Alloy via a Precipitation-Reduction Route

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) are typically produced using high-temperature metallurgical routes; however, alternative synthesis approaches based on wet-chemical processing remain relatively unexplored. In this study, a compositionally complex two-phase AgCuCoNiFe high-entropy alloy was synthesized using a precipitation-reduction strategy involving co-precipitation of mixed metal carbonates followed by thermal reduction in a reducing atmosphere. The objective of the work was to evaluate the feasibility of this hydrometallurgical route for preparing compositionally complex alloys and to investigate the structural evolution of the material as a function of reduction time. Quantitative MP-AES analysis confirmed efficient co-precipitation of all five elements, enabling the preparation of a precursor with near-equimolar metal composition. Structural characterization using SEM, EDS, and XRD revealed the presence of surface compositional heterogeneity in the as-reduced state, characterized by Ag-enriched domains. After controlled surface abrasion, the internal material exhibited significantly more uniform elemental distribution, although the obtained composition was not equimolar. X-ray diffraction patterns showed a transition from multiple sharp reflections at the surface to broadened peaks in the bulk, consistent with enhanced alloying within the bulk compared to the surface, while still revealing a two-phase character. Microhardness measurements indicated moderate hardness with mean values in the range of 187-221 HV with no significant dependence on reduction time, while wettability analysis revealed moderately hydrophilic behavior with contact angles in the range of approximately 75-83°. The results suggest that precipitation-reduction can be a viable alternative route for the synthesis of multicomponent HEAs, enabling the formation of chemically mixed alloy structures without the use of conventional melting-based processing. However, the obtained alloy exhibits incomplete chemical homogeneity, indicating that further optimization of the synthesis conditions is required to achieve a fully uniform composition.