Electrical bistability and memory phenomenon in carbon nanotube-conjugated polymer matrixes

Abstract

We have observed electrical bistability and large conductance switching in functionalized carbon nanotube (CNT)-conjugated polymer composites at room temperature. The concentration of the CNTs in the polymer matrix controlled the degree of bistability. Conduction mechanism applicable in each of the conducting states has been identified. The switching had an associated memory phenomenon and was reversible in nature. In the bistable devices, the active layer retained its high-conducting state until a reverse voltage erased it. We could "write" or "erase" a state and "read" it for many cycles for random-access memory applications.