Non-volatile resistance switching using single-wall carbon nanotube encapsulating fullerene molecules

Abstract

A resistance switching effect was found for a nanogap junction that has electrodes composed of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) that encapsulate fullerenes. A clear negative differential resistance effect and repeated on-off cycles were observed in the current-voltage characteristics of the nanogap junctions. The results suggest that the resistance switch effect is due to gap size changes that result in the migration of fullerene molecules. This implied that the electrode areas of a resistance switch could be miniaturized to true nanoscale size. © 2009 The Japan Society of Applied Physics.