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Bulk NdNiO3 and thin films grown along the pseudocubic (001)pc axis display a 1st order metal to insulator transition (MIT) together with a Néel transition at T = 200 K. Here, we show that for NdNiO3 films deposited on (111)pc NdGaO3, the MIT occurs at T = 335 K and the Néel transition at T = 230 K. By comparing transport and magnetic properties of layers grown on substrates with different symmetries and lattice parameters, we demonstrate a particularly large tuning when the epitaxy is realized on (111)pc surfaces. We attribute this effect to the specific lattice matching conditions imposed along this direction when using orthorhombic substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickelates are known for their metal to insulator transition (MIT) and an unusual magnetic ordering, occurring at T = TNéel. Here, we investigate thin films of SmNiO3 subjected to different levels of epitaxial strain. We find that the original bulk behavior (TNéel < TMI) is strongly affected by applying compressive strain to the films. For small compressive strains, a regime where TNéel = TMI is achieved, the paramagnetic insulating phase characteristic of the bulk compound is suppressed and the MIT becomes 1st order. Further increasing the in-plane compression of the SmNiO3 lattice leads to the stabilization of a single metallic paramagnetic phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]