BSTRACTA heterogeneous structure by designing soft/hard domains with dramatically different strengths is effective to maintain the high ductility of metals but it sacrifices the yield strength. Here we first demonstrate a simultaneous enhancement of yield strength and tensile elongation by ∼20% in graphene nanosheet (GNS)/Al-Cu-Mg nano-laminated composites

with a tensile strength of ∼687 MPa and elongation over 10%

by designing heterogeneous domains with a little difference. The underlying mechanism was investigated by microstructural characterizations and simulations

and the hetero-deformation-induced hardening and nano-precipitation strengthening were mainly responsible for the strength-ductility synergy. This study broadens the understanding of heterostructured materials in pursuit of extraordinary mechanical properties.