Multiple electronic phase modulations in metastable layered vanadium dioxide through band-filling control
Phys. Rev. Materials 10, 064402 – Published 1 June, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/tkjx-s5wn
Abstract
The discovery of filling-controlled phase modulations in correlated systems opens an emerging paradigm to unlock unique electromagnetic states and physical phenomena, transcending traditional paradigms. Here, correlated (B) is selected as a model system to realize multiple electronic phase modulations through ionic evolution, leveraging the inherent -type double-layered structure and thermodynamic metastability. The introduction of electron carriers into the orbital of metastable (B), as driven by substitution, oxygen deficiency, or protonation, triggers the carrier delocalization, giving rise to sequential electronic phase modulations, beyond well-established M1 and R phases of . Of particular note is the synergistic interplay between oxygen defects and interstitial protons in cooperatively driving electronic state evolutions in (B) through band-filling regulation, enabling the robust control over the energy landscape in a reversible pathway. Utilizing synchrotron-related spectroscopy techniques and theoretical calculations, we reveal that the band filling in low-energy orbital of (B) through electron doping governs electronic phase modulations, delivering a unified physical picture. Our findings not only demonstrate a powerful tuning knob for adjusting correlated electronic states in metastable layered-structure materials, fostering exotic physical functionalities and phenomena but also extend the horizons in materials designs for iontronic device applications.