Probing topological instability of amorphous high entropy alloy based on the pair distribution function analysis

High-/medium-entropy alloys (H/MEAs) are characterized by severe lattice distortion due to the intrinsic atomic size mismatch between the multiple constituent elements, which is thus considered as the main contribution of outstanding mechanical performance. Akin to the traditional amorphous alloys, atomic-level stress dominates the topological instability of strongly disordered systems. Thereby, HEA’s propensity to distort lattice becomes more striking as the disorder is increased. It is irrefutable to raise the amorphous HEA, however, there are hitherto few related reports, let alone to the study of structure and property. In our work, we prepare an amorphous CrMnFeCoNi HEA by deposition method and find a topological change from amorphous to crystalline state at high pressure. However, the fundamental structure and temperature sensitivity of the initial amorphous HEA remains intricate. Here, we aim to reveal the structural nature through the pair distribution function analysis.