Defect-characterized phase transition kinetics

Phase transitions are a common phenomenon in condensed matter and act as critical degree of freedom that can be employed to tailor the mechanical or electronic properties materials. Understanding fundamental mechanisms thermodynamics kinetics phase is, thus, at core modern materials design. Conventionally, studies have, large extent, focused on pristine bulk phases. However, realistic exist complex form; their microstructures consist different point extended defects. The presence defects impacts transitions, but has been commonly ignored treated separately. In recent years, with significant advances theoretical experimental techniques, there an increasing research interest modeling characterizing how impact even dictate transitions. present review systematically discusses progress understanding defect-characterized derives key underlying these envisions remaining challenges fruitful directions. We hope discussions insights will help inspire future development field.