Size-controlled resistive switching performance and regulation mechanism of SnO2 QDs

As a non-volatile memory, zero-dimensional quantum dot resistive random access memory (RRAM) has shown broad application prospects in the field of intelligent electronic devices due to its advantages of simple structure, low switching voltage, fast response speed, high storage density, and low power consumption. Tin dioxide quantum dots (SnO2 QDs) are a good option for resistive functional materials with excellent physical and chemical stabilities, high electron mobilities, and adjustable energy band structures. In this paper, the SnO2 QDs with sizes of 2.51 nm, 2.96 nm and 3.53 nm are prepared by the solvothermal method, and the quantum size effect is observed in a small size range and the effective regulation of resistive switching voltage is achieved based on its quantum size effect, which is the unique advantage of quantum dot material in comparison with that of bulk material. Research result shows that as the size of SnO2 QD increases, the SET/RESET voltage gradually decreases from –3.18 V/4.35 V to –2.02 V/3.08 V. The 3.53 nm SnO2 QDs have lower SET/RESET voltage (–2.02 V/3.08 V) and larger resistive switching ratio (> 104), and the resistive switching performance of the device has changed less than 5% after having experienced durability tests 2 × 104 times, showing good stability and retention. Besides, according to the fitting of charge transport mechanism, SnO2 QD RRAM exhibits Ohmic conduction under LRS, while Ohmic conduction, thermionic emission and space charge limit current work together during HRS. The resistive switching effect of SnO2 QDs is controlled by trap filled limit current and interface Schottky Barrier modulation; the trapping/de-trapping behavior of internal defect potential well of SnO2 QDs on electrons dominates the HRS/LRS switching, while the effective control of ITO/SnO2 QDs and SnO2 QDs/Au interface Schottky barrier is the key to accurately regulating the switching voltage. The reason why SnO2 QD RRAM exhibits good size-switching voltage dependence is that the larger SnO2 QD has lower Fermi level and interface Schottky barrier height, so the junction resistance voltage division is reduced, and the SET/RESET voltage decrease accordingly. This work reveals the huge application potential and commercial application value of SnO2 QDs in the field of resistive switching memory, and provides a new option for the development of RRAM.