Polymer:nanoparticle memory devices with electrode-sensitive bipolar resistive switches by exploring the electrical contact between a bulk metal and metal nanoparticles

► Resistive switches are observed on devices with Au nanoparticles capped with 2-naphthalenethiol. ► The resistive switches are sensitive to the electrodes. ► The resistive switches are predominantly due to the change in the resistance of the contact. ► Raman spectra indicate the charge transfer under electric field. ► A model is proposed for the resistive switches.