First hexagonal close packed high-entropy alloy with outstanding stability under extreme conditions and electrocatalytic activity for methanol oxidation

High-entropy alloys containing 5 and 6 platinum group metals have been prepared by thermal decomposition of single-source precursors non requiring high temperature or mechanical alloying. The prepared Ir0.90Os0.22Re0.21Rh0.20Ru0.19 alloy is the first example of a single-phase hexagonal high-entropy alloy. Heat treatment up to 1500 K and compression up to 45 GPa do not result in phase changes, a record temperature and pressure stability for a single-phase high-entropy alloy. The alloys show pronounced electrocatalytic activity in methanol oxidation, which opens a route for the use of high-entropy alloys as materials for sustainable energy conversion. (C) 2017 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.