Thermal-stimulated phase transition of vanadium dioxide enabling versatile transduction and smart applications

Vanadium dioxide (VO2) as a typically strongly correlated material has an attractive near-room-temperature metal–insulator transition (MIT). This transition shifted between metallic rutile and insulating monoclinic phases can be reversed by external thermal stimulation, accompanied by alterations in the lattice structure and electronic energy band structure, which bring about drastic changes in optical, electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. Based on these unique characteristics, the VO2-integrated element can be utilized in the versatile transduction that converts indirect measurable factors into detectable physical quantities, representing a leap forward in sensing technology and facilitating the development of advanced systems toward an unprecedented level of sensitivity and responsiveness. In this perspective, we review the multifunctional advantages of VO2, driven by its thermally induced MIT, which transforms its crystal and electronic structures, leading to changes in optical, electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. Our paper highlights that VO2 can serve as a high-performance transduction element, leveraging its attractive properties to facilitate the conversion of various variations into measurable signals, thereby enabling diverse advanced applications. To maximize the advantages of VO2, we identify the key challenges and opportunities related to this material, offering guidance and recommendations for future research directions.