Nanowerk December 4, 2019
Researchers at Northwestern University designed the picoscale crystalline structure of molybdenum oxynitride (MoON), to host the phase transition. The researchers found the metal-insulator transition (MIT) occurred near 600 degrees Celsius, revealing its potential for applications in high-temperature sensors and power electronics. They noted multiple design parameters influenced MoON’s phase transition. The inclusion of multiple anions in the material activated the phase transition due to specific electron configurations related to the spatial orientation of electronic orbitals. The findings offer insight into how subtle changes on the nanoscale can be used to control macroscopic behavior, like conductivity, in materials. The research could jumpstart future design and delivery of faster microelectronics with more storage capabilities, as well as quantum materials platforms for future electronics…read more. TECHNICAL ARTICLE
Researchers found the metal-insulator transition in the material molybdenum oxynitride occurred near 600 degrees Celsius, revealing its potential for applications in high-temperature sensors and power electronics. (Image: Northwestern University)