Printed Nonvolatile Resistive Memories Based on a Hybrid Organic/Inorganic Functional Ink

Abstract

Organic memories are increasingly being considered as promising candidates for a number of novel consumer applications, such as smart labels and smart packaging devices. Indeed, organic memories can be fabricated on highly flexible substrates at low temperatures from liquid phase, employing for instance printing techniques. In this work, a nonvolatile resistive memory element conceived for large‐area processing and operation in ambient conditions is presented. In particular, a functional ink made out of an air stable organic semiconductor, namely ActivInk N1400, and gold nanoparticles (NPs) is developed and optimized for the fabrication of high performance memories through inkjet printing. The ink formulation is varied in order to explore the influence of Au NPs concentration on the switching behavior. Devices are operated in ambient conditions with reproducible memory behavior, high ON/OFF current ratios, and low programming voltages. In depth material analysis with time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy depth profiles are carried out on operated devices to shine a light on resistive switching mechanism and to determine the average gold content and its 3D distribution in stable memories.

Nonvolatile Memories Based on Graphene and Related 2D Materials

“…A few reports also suggest that GRMs might be introduced in current NVM technologies through the development of novel device concepts enabled by 2D van der Waals heterostructures . However, it should be noticed that the development of high‐performance memory devices incorporating GRMs requires significant resources before the latter can be integrated into a “conventional Si device flow.” On the contrary, it is more likely that GRMs could find application in low‐cost portable/wearable information‐storage devices, thanks to the availability of cost‐effective solution‐processing techniques, such as spray coating and ink‐jet printing, which are particularly suitable for the production of memory devices on flexible plastic substrates …”

Systematic Studies of Gold Nanoparticles Functionalised with Thioglucose and its Cytotoxic Effect

“…It is already known that the same NPs, but properly functionalised, can be used in various applications. Depending on the type of modifier compounds, NPs can exhibit specific properties tailored to the exact application (e. g. electronic, biomedical or tribological applications) [27,36–38] . The functionalisation of AuNPs is typically carried out via a thiol group which allows the modifier compound to covalently bond to the NPs surface [39] .…”

“…Depending on the type of modifier compounds, NPs can exhibit specific properties tailored to the exact application (e. g. electronic, biomedical or tribological applications). [27,[36][37][38] The functionalisation of AuNPs is typically carried out via a thiol group which allows the modifier compound to covalently bond to the NPs surface. [39] One of the modifier types that is widely used for the functionalisation of AuNPs for biomedical applications is thioglucose (TG), which increases the biocompatibility of NPs (mainly because of the glucose molecule on NPs surface) and increases the adsorption of NPs to cancer cells, mainly because of the saccharide molecule.…”