Manipulation of Proton Dynamics in Perovskite Nickelate Devices

Perovskite nickelates, exemplified by NdNiO₃, are pivotal strongly correlated oxides valued for their tunable metal-insulator transitions (MITs) and promise in neuromorphic and optoelectronic devices. Understanding the elementary mechanisms governing their functional responses, particularly at the nanoscale, remains a significant challenge. This work focuses on the precise manipulation of proton distribution within these materials to dynamically control their electronic and structural properties. We have utilized a combination of cutting-edge experimental techniques, including nanoscale infrared nanoimaging and nanospectroscopy and in situ high-resolution X-ray diffraction (HRXRD) together with molecular dynamics calculation and FDTD simuilations, to observe and track the simultaneous structural and local conductivity modulation in hydrogen-doped NdNiO₃ (H-NdNiO₃). We demonstrate that these hydrogen dopants induce a dynamic reconfiguration of the material's electronic and structural states, which can be actively controlled by applying external electric fields.