Significant roles of the polymer matrix in the resistive switching behavior of polymer-based atomic switches

Abstract

The impacts of the polymer matrix material on the resistive switching of solid polymer electrolyte (SPE)-based atomic switches are investigated. The switches consist of a spin-coated SPE film using silver salt incorporated polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, or polyvinyl pirrolidone, which is sandwiched between Ag and Pt electrodes. The switching characteristics depend strongly on the structural, thermal, and transport properties of the polymer matrix, such as its crystallinity, glass transition temperature, and ionic conductivity. The temperature behavior of resistive switching can be explained by competition between increased segmental mobility and water evaporation in the polymer matrix. It is found that crystalline and semi-crystalline polymer electrolytes are likely to perform better than amorphous polymer electrolytes in realizing stable switching characteristics. These findings will contribute to the understanding and control of the device performance of SPE-based atomic switches.