Nested order-disorder framework containing a crystalline matrix with self-filled amorphous-like innards

Solids can be generally categorized by their structures into crystalline and amorphous states with different interactions among atoms dictating their properties. Crystalline-amorphous hybrid structures, combining the advantages of both ordered and disordered components, present a promising opportunity to design materials with emergent collective properties. Hybridization of crystalline and amorphous structures at the sublattice level with long-range periodicity has been rarely observed. Here, we report a nested order-disorder framework (NOF) constructed by a crystalline matrix with self-filled amorphous-like innards that is obtained by using pressure to regulate the bonding hierarchy of Cu 12 Sb 4 S 13 . Combined in situ experimental and computational methods demonstrate the formation of disordered Cu sublattice which is embedded in the retained crystalline Cu framework. Such a NOF structure gives a low thermal conductivity (~0.24 W·m −1 ·K −1 ) and a metallic electrical conductivity (8 × 10 −6 Ω·m), realizing the collaborative improvement of two competing physical properties. These findings demonstrate a category of solid-state materials to link the crystalline and amorphous forms in the sublattice-scale, which will exhibit extraordinary properties. The synthesis and characterization of new crystalline-amorphous hybrid materials is challenging. Here, the authors report the preparation of a nested order-disorder framework by applying high pressure to a nested copper chalcogenide Cu 12 Sb 4 S 13 .