Effect of sintering conditions on mixed ionic-electronic conducting properties of silver sulfide nanoparticles

Abstract

The process dependence of the mixed ionic-electronic conductivity of sintered octadecylamine-encapsulated silver sulfide nanoparticle thin films has been studied and correlated with the film structure. Although grain growth begins around 120°C, there is no significant electrical conductivity until 350°C and mixed conductivity until 400°C, when the nanoparticle encapsulant evaporates. Higher temperatures decompose the silver sulfide. In lateral structures, no filaments form until sintering at 400°C. The process dependence of mixed ionic electronic conducting properties may provide a method for engineering materials for use in electrochemical metallization resistive random access memories. © 2012 American Institute of Physics.