Inaugural Editorial: Entropic and Disordered Matter—Exploring Order in Disorders

On the occasion of the launch of Entropic and Disordered Matter, we extend our warmest greetings to researchers worldwide dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of the complexity and randomness of matter, fueled by boundless enthusiasm and reverence for the frontiers of science!

Entropy [1]—the core of the Second Law of Thermodynamics, the embodiment of time’s arrow, and the measure of a system’s disorder and diversity—serves as a universal force shaping all matter. Disordered matter—encompassing amorphous solids, glasses, soft matter, complex fluids, biopolymers, and active matter—is not merely an anomaly but constitutes a vast and captivating realm of material states in our universe. These are not mere “defects” nor “exceptions”; they are ubiquitous natural treasures harboring unique physical principles and immense application potential.

This journal emerges to establish a premier international platform dedicated to exploring entropy-driven phenomena across disordered systems. We advocate for a paradigm shift: while crystalline order has long dominated materials science, disordered states—from geological melts to biological matrices—constitute the most fertile ground for discovery. Echoing Schrödinger’s insights into biological complexity, we recognize that disorder serves as the crucible of functionality, where perfect symmetry falters. We are committed to publishing research covering the following broad and profound domains:

Fundamental Physics of Disordered Systems [2]: Including glass transitions [3], non-exponential and non-linear behavior, ultra-slow relaxation and aging dynamics [4], ergodicity breaking, energy landscape theory, ideal glass, dynamics of fragility, structural and dynamic heterogeneity, rejuvenation and memory effects, yield and avalanche phenomena, Boson peak and low-energy excitation, localization phenomena, ultrafast structural dynamics, anomalous diffusion, and transport properties in disordered or out-of-equilibrium systems.

Soft Matter: Including colloids [5], polymers [6], vitrimers, polymer nanocomposites, supramolecular assemblies, ionic liquids, liquid crystals, foams, gels, microemulsions, biological soft tissues, and active suspensions. Topics include self-assembly, polyamorphism and phase separation, viscoelasticity, rheology, confined or interfacial dynamics, jamming and unjamming transitions, and responses to external fields (mechanical, thermal, electromagnetic).

Amorphous and Disordered Solids [7,8]: Including structure–property relations in metallic glasses, advanced manufacturing, lunar glass, amorphous semiconductors, oxide and chalcogenide glasses, functional amorphous frameworks (e.g., MOF and ZIF glasses), disordered carbons, high-entropy and compositionally complex alloys, and nanocrystalline and metastable materials. This topic also covers glass formation abilities; ultrastable glasses [9]; crystallization kinetics; irradiation effects; additive and in-orbit manufacturing; surface and interfacial phenomena; mechanical, thermal, magnetic, and electronic properties; as well as applications in energy, biomedical devices, and extreme environments.

Active Matter and Biological Disorder: Including non-equilibrium statistical physics and collective dynamics in living and active systems: cytoskeletons, biomembranes, cellular tissues, molecular motors, bio-inspired soft robots, and synthetic active colloids. This topic further covers disorder-driven adaptation, phase separation in active mixtures, topological defects, information processing in disordered biological assemblies, and connections to glassy dynamics.

Why focus on “Entropy” and “Disorder”? Because beneath these seemingly “chaotic” appearances on the surface lie the keys to understanding material complexity, non-equilibrium behavior, and emergent functionality. Breaking free from the constraints of traditional crystallographic paradigms and delving into the physics of disorder not only represents a profound test and extension of fundamental physical laws (like statistical mechanics and non-equilibrium physics) but also the wellspring of next-generation disruptive materials and technologies—from ultra-tough metallic glasses [10] and highly efficient, stable solar cell materials to neuromorphic computing devices mimicking biological intelligence.

We eagerly invite colleagues in this field from around the world to submit outstanding research and profound insights to this journal. Whether you are deciphering the secrets of glass in the lab, simulating the evolution of high-entropy alloys on a computer, constructing new models of non-equilibrium statistics within theoretical frameworks, exploring hidden connections via artificial intelligence, or exploring information processing mechanisms in disordered biological systems, Entropic and Disordered Matter will act as an ideal space to showcase innovation, stimulate discussion, and make advancements in this field.

We invite you to contribute pioneering work that delves into the profound duality of disordered matter: systems that shatter preconceptions while revealing hidden regularities; metastable states that embody evolutionary dynamism; and universal principles that emerge across scales. Here, we aspire not merely to decode the physical essence of disordered matter but to rewrite the rulebook for complex systems. Through bridging microscopic fluctuations with macroscopic behavior, we may unlock the deepest underlying logic of evolution—deciphering the ultimate code inscribed by nature in the intricate dance of order and disorder.

Thank you for your attention and support!