Hydrogen dynamics in the nanoscale region of ${\mathrm{VO}}_2$ was investigated by muon spin rotation/relaxation ($\mu \mathrm{SR}$) technique. Positively charged muon acts as a light radioisotope of protons and can be used as a probe to explore the inside of materials from an atomic perspective. By analyzing the muon hopping rate and the spatial distribution of the ${}^{51}\mathrm{V}$ nuclear magnetic moments, we have identified two types of diffusion paths in ${\mathrm{VO}}_2$ (via oxygen-muon bonds or defects) and the potential of a high diffusion coefficient in the ${10}^{-10}{\mathrm{cm}}^2/\mathrm{s}$ range at ambient temperature. Our results provide valuable information for developing hydrogen-driven ${\mathrm{VO}}_2$-related electronic devices.

• Received 8 March 2023
• Revised 18 December 2023
• Accepted 3 January 2024

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevMaterials.8.024602

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Published by the American Physical Society