Metal-insulator transition

A metal-insulator transition is a change in a material's ability to conduct electricity. In a metal, electrons flow freely, allowing electrical current. In an insulator, electrons are tightly bound and cannot move easily, preventing current flow. This transition can occur due to changes in temperature, pressure, or chemical composition, which alter the material's electronic structure. Essentially, it’s a switch where a material shifts from allowing electricity to blocking it, often driven by microscopic changes in how electrons interact within the material. Understanding this transition is important for developing advanced electronic devices and materials.