Resistive switching and impedance properties of soft nanocomposites based on Ag nanoparticles

• Published in: Applied surface science Vol. 424; pp. 352 - 358
• Main Authors: Chiolerio, A., Roppolo, I., Perrone, D., Sacco, A., Rajan, K., Chiappone, A., Bocchini, S., Bejtka, K., Ricciardi, C., Pirri, C.F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.12.2017
• Subjects: Ag nanoparticles; Impedance spectroscopy; Nanocomposites; Resistive switching; Impedance spectroscopy; Ag nanoparticles; Nanocomposites; Resistive switching
• ISSN: 0169-4332; 1873-5584
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2017.02.208

[Display omitted] •A NC system based on a uniform and dense distribution of Ag NPs dispersed in a polymeric matrix of different softness is prepared.•DC and AC properties are studied as a function of temperature to assess the RS behavior.•The DC component of conductivity, according to the universal conduction model, scales with the Tg of the matrices.•All samples feature at temperatures in the range 300–360 K a good metallicity, showing a real part of impedance that grows with temperature and scales with frequency. Polymeric nanocomposites (NCs) containing Ag nanoparticles (NPs) feature interesting properties arising from the interaction between a confined metallic system, its surface and a viscoelastic matrix whose electronic properties range between a dielectric and an ionic conductor. They are currently exploited in a number of applications as electronic materials, among the others the most promising being high-K extrinsic dielectrics and resistive switching devices (RSDs). A large diffusivity through the polymeric network permits the displacement of Ag ions to sustain reversible electrochemical states that store information in impedance states. We present a detailed study showing how the interaction between polymeric matrix and dispersed NPs, thanks to its huge specific surface, influences the resistive switching and electrical impedance in view of an application as soft neuromorphic devices, going beyond the simple superposition of effects due to the pure matrix and the filler alone.