Electrical bistabilities and stabilities of organic bistable devices fabricated utilizing [6,6]-phenyl-C85 butyric acid methyl ester blended into a polymethyl methacrylate layer

Organic bistable devices (OBDs) based on [6,6]-phenyl-C85 butyric acid methyl ester ([84]PCBM) embedded in a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) layer were fabricated by using a simple spin-coating technique. Atomic force microscope images showed that the surface roughness of the [84]PCBM:PMMA composite layer was uniform. Current density–voltage curves for the memory device showed a current bistability. The maximum ON/OFF ratio of the current bistability of the OBDs was as large as 103. Write–read–erase–read characteristics showed OBDs with rewriteable nonvolatile memories, and the retention time of the OBDs was about 104 s. The ON state and the OFF state for 20 randomly-chosen cells demonstrated the high reproducibility of the fabricated OBDs.

Graphical abstract.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► OBDs based on [84]PCBM embedded in a PMMA layer were fabricated by using a simple spin-coating technique. ► AFM images showed that the surface roughness of the [84]PCBM:PMMA composite layer was uniform. ► The maximum ON/OFF ratio of the current bistability of the OBDs was as large as 103. ► Write–read–erase–read characteristics showed OBDs with rewriteable nonvolatile memories, and the retention time of the OBDs was about 104 s. ► The ON state and the OFF state for 20 randomly chosen cells demonstrated the high reproducibility of the fabricated OBDs.