Insulator to Metal Transition under High Pressure in FeNb$_3$Se$_{10}$

TL;DR

This study demonstrates that FeNb$_3$Se$_{10}$ transitions from an insulator to a metal under high pressure, with resistivity becoming pressure- and temperature-independent, while its crystal structure remains stable up to 4.4 GPa.

Contribution

The paper reveals the pressure-induced insulator-to-metal transition in FeNb$_3$Se$_{10}$ and shows structural stability during this transition.

Findings

Insulator to metal transition occurs at around 3.0 GPa.

Resistivity becomes pressure- and temperature-independent at higher pressures.

Crystal structure remains stable up to at least 4.4 GPa.

Abstract

Non-magnetic FeNb$_3$Se$_{10}$ has been demonstrated to be an insulator at ambient pressure through both theoretical calculations and experimental measurements and it does not host topological surface states. Here we show that on the application of pressure, FeNb$_3$Se$_{10}$ transitions to a metallic state at around 3.0 GPa. With a further increase in pressure, its resistivity becomes independent of both temperature and pressure. Its crystal structure is maintained to at least 4.4 GPa.