Synthesis and properties optimization of high-performance nanostructured metallic glass thin films

Nanoglasses (NG), consisting of nanometer-sized regions with amorphous atomic packing structure and interface regions with lower density, as well as enhanced free volume different from the core, attracted numerous attentions due to its tunable microstructure, e.g. the size of nanograins and the fraction of interfaces, and corresponding performance modulation. By utilizing the various preparation techniques, NGs can be synthesized in a wide geometric size range from nanometer-scale to bulk-scale. Similar to NGs, nanostructured metallic glass thin films (NMGTFs) have received growing interest due to the potential usage in multiple industrial fields, ranging from mechanical, magnetic, optical to electronic applications. In this review, we summarized the influence of preparation parameter, for example, substrate temperature, working pressure, and deposition rate in magnetron sputtering deposition, on microstructure and property in different NMGTFs alloy systems, with the aim to realize the NMGTFs property optimization and provide a reference for personnel engaged in NMGTFs research. (C) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.