Quasi-Zero-Dimensional Ferroelectric Polarization Charges-Coupled Resistance Switching with High-Current Density in Ultrascaled Semiconductors

Nano Lett. 2024 Jan 24;24(3):975-982. doi: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c04378. Epub 2024 Jan 8.

Abstract

Ferroelectric memristors hold immense promise for advanced memory and neuromorphic computing. However, they face limitations due to low readout current density in conventional designs with low-conductive ferroelectric channels, especially at the nanoscale. Here, we report a ferroelectric-mediated memristor utilizing a 2D MoS2 nanoribbon channel with an ultrascaled cross-sectional area of <1000 nm2, defined by a ferroelectric BaTiO3 nanoribbon stacked on top. Strikingly, the Schottky barrier at the MoS2 contact can be effectively tuned by the charge transfers coupled with quasi-zero-dimensional polarization charges formed at the two ends of the nanoribbon, which results in distinctive resistance switching accompanied by multiple negative differential resistance showing the high-current density of >104 A/cm2. The associated space charges in BaTiO3 are minimized to ∼3.7% of the polarization charges, preserving nonvolatile polarization. This achievement establishes ferroelectric-mediated nanoscale semiconductor memristors with high readout current density as promising candidates for memory and highly energy-efficient in-memory computing applications.

Keywords: Schottky barrier; ferroelectric; ferroelectric-coupled charge transfer; negative differential resistance; resistance switching.