Biomolecule nanoparticle-induced nanocomposites with resistive switching nonvolatile memory properties

Resistive switching behavior-based memory devices are considered promising candidates for next-generation data storage because of their simple structure configuration, low power consumption, and rapid operating speed. Here, the resistive switching nonvolatile memory properties of Fe ₂ O ₃ nanocomposite (NC) films prepared from the thermal calcination of layer-by-layer (LbL) assembled ferritin multilayers were successfully investigated. For this study, negatively charged ferritin nanoparticles were alternately deposited onto the Pt-coated Si substrate with positively charged poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) by solution-based electrostatic LbL assembly, and the formed multilayers were thermally calcinated to obtain a homogeneous transition metal oxide NC film through the elimination of organic components, including the protein shell of ferritin. The formed memory device exhibits a stable ON/OFF current ratio of approximately 10 ³ , with nanosecond switching times under an applied external bias. In addition, these reversible switching properties were kept stable during the repeated cycling tests of above 200 cycles and a test period of approximately 10 ⁵ s under atmosphere. These solution-based approaches can provide a basis for large-area inorganic nanoparticle-based electric devices through the design of bio-nanomaterials at the molecular level.