Nano-floating gate memory based on ZnO thin-film transistors and Al nanoparticles

In this study, nonvolatile nano-floating gate memory devices were fabricated based on ZnO films and Al nanoparticles and their electrical properties were investigated. Al nanoparticles were embedded in between SiO ₂ tunneling and control oxide layers deposited on ZnO channels, and these nanoparticles acted as floating gate nodes in the devices. Their electron mobility, on/off ratio, and threshold voltage shift were estimated to be 9.42 cm²/V s, about 10⁶, and 4.2 V, respectively. Their programming/erasing, endurance and retention were also characterized. Especially, the low-temperature processes applied in this work indicate that integrated electronic devices can be fabricated on temperature-sensitive substrates.