Electrochemical synthesis of Ag(0)/Ag2S heterojunctions templated on pre-formed Ag2S nanowires

Abstract

Hybrid metal/ionic conductor nanostructures are of considerable interest due to their potential use as resistive switches, and are envisioned as the next generation of memory devices. We present here the electrochemical conversion of ionic and semi-conducting Ag₂S nanowires (NW) into a range of hybrid nanostructures. Partial electrochemical reduction of Au/Ag₂S NW/Au junctions allows one to form Ag⁰ NW/Ag₂S NW and Ag⁰ NW/Ag₂S NW/Ag⁰ NW heterojunctions. Control over the quantity of Ag⁰ NW within the junctions is presented along with its influence on the conductivity of the junctions. We demonstrate the use of this technique to make functional Au/Ag⁰ NW/Ag₂S NW/Au resistive switches.