Effect of the ZnS shell layer on the charge storage capabilities of organic bistable memory devices fabricated utilizing CuInS2–ZnS core–shell quantum dots embedded in a poly(methylmethacrylate) layer

•Organic bistable devices utilizing nanocomposites were fabricated.•Current–voltage results on organic bistable devices showed current bistabilities.•Maximum ON/OFF current ratio of the device with core–shell quantum dots was 1 × 105.•Retention number of the device with core–shell quantum dots was 1 × 105.

The electrical characteristics of organic bistable memory devices (OBDs) fabricated utilizing CuInS2 (CIS) core or CIS–ZnS core–shell quantum dots (QDs) embedded in a poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) layer on indium–tin-oxide (ITO) coated glass substrates were investigated. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectra demonstrated that the stoichiometries of the QDs embedded in a PMMA layer were CIS or CIS–ZnS QDs. Current–voltage measurements on Al/CIS or CIS–ZnS QDs embedded in PMMA layer/ITO glass devices at 300 K showed current bistabilities. The maximum ON/OFF current ratios of the OBDs with CIS or CIS–ZnS QDs were approximately 1 × 103 and 1 × 105, respectively. The retention number of ON and OFF states was measured by 1 × 105. The memory mechanisms of the OBDs with CIS or CIS–ZnS QDs are described on the basis of the experimental results.