Electrically controlled nano and micro actuation in memristive switching devices with on-chip gas encapsulation

Dean Kos, Hippolyte P A G Astier, Giuliana Di Martino, Jan Mertens, Hamid Ohadi, Domenico De Fazio, Duhee Yoon, Zhuang Zhao, Alexander Kuhn, Andrea C Ferrari, Christopher J B Ford, Jeremy J Baumberg

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Nanoactuators are a key component for developing nanomachinery. Here, an electrically driven device yielding actuation stresses exceeding 1 MPa withintegrated optical readout is demonstrated. 10 nm thick Al2 O3 electrolyte films are sandwiched between graphene and Au electrodes. These allow reversible room-temperature solid-state redox reactions, producing Al metal and O2 gas in a memristive-type switching device. The resulting high-pressure oxygen micro-fuel reservoirs are encapsulated under the graphene, swelling to heights of up to 1 µm, which can be dynamically tracked by plasmonic rulers. Unlike standard memristors where the memristive redox reaction occurs in single or few conductive filaments, the mechanical deformation forces the creation of new filaments over the whole area of the inflated film. The resulting on-off resistance ratios reach 108 in some cycles. The synchronization of nanoactuation and memristive switching in these devices is compatible with large-scale fabrication and has potential for precise and electrically monitored actuation technology.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere1801599
Number of pages8
JournalSmall
Volume14
Issue number34
Early online date23 Jul 2018
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 23 Aug 2018

Keywords

  • Graphene
  • Nanoactuation
  • Nanoparticles
  • Plasmonic coupling
  • Resistive switching

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