  Pressure-induced phase transitions in orthovanadates have led to interesting
physical phenomena. The observed transitions usually involve large volume
collapses and drastic changes in the electronic and vibrational properties of
the materials. In some cases, the phase transitions implicate coordination
changes in vanadium, which has important consequences in the physical
properties of vanadates. In this Perspective, we explore the current knowledge
of the behavior of MVO4 vanadates under compression. In particular, we
summarize studies of the structural, vibrational, and electronic properties and
a few illustrative examples of high-pressure research in the compounds of
interest are discussed. A systematic understanding of the high-pressure
behavior of MVO4 compounds is presented, putting the emphasis on results that
could be relevant for practical applications. Recent advances and future
challenges in the study of orthovanadates under extreme pressure will be
reviewed, along with conclusions that could have consequences for the studies
of related oxides. Some ideas on topics that may lead to exciting breakthroughs
in the near future will be presented too.
