Structurally-driven metal–insulator transition in Ca2Ru1−xCrxO4 (0≤x<0.14): A single crystal X-ray diffraction study

Correlation between structure and transport properties are investigated in high-quality single-crystals of Ca2Ru1−xCrxO4 with 013.5% and the system behaves as an insulator. Such a large, sharp metal–insulator transition and tuneable transition temperature may have potential applications in electronic devices.

Graphical abstractThe metal–insulator transition temperature (TMI) was drastically reduced by Cr doping, and is closely related to the distortion of structure.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights► The metal–insulator transition temperature (TMI) was drastically reduced by doping Cr into Ca2RuO4 single crystal. ► Detailed single crystal structural analysis provided important insight into this structurally-driven metal–insulator transition. ► Negative Volume Thermal Expansion (NVTE) was observed with increasing temperature.