Asymmetric resistive switching behaviour in a Au/a-C:Co/Au planar structure

Using a simple fields induced mass motion method, Au/a-C:Co/Au planar structures with micro-gap Au electrodes were fabricated. Asymmetric current-voltage characteristics and resistive switching behaviours were observed in these cells. Reliable performance, with a reasonable ON/OFF ratio of >4, stable endurance of >200 cycles, and good retention of >105 s, were achieved at the read voltage of −3.6 V. Space charge limited current (SCLC) theory with an asymmetric potential barrier caused by different densities of traps was proposed to explain the asymmetric resistive switching behaviour.