A transition characterized by a sudden change in electrical transport properties (conductivity) due to a reversible change from localized to itinerant behaviour of the electrons. Example: The transition at 339 K in
VO2 where it changes from a high-temperature metallic behaviour to a low-temperature semiconductor behaviour. Synonymous with metal–nonmetal transition.
See: localized-itinerant transition
Source:
PAC, 1994, 66, 577. 'Definitions of terms relating to phase transitions of the solid state (IUPAC Recommendations 1994)' on page 586 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199466030577)