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Resistive Switching in Bigraphene/Diamane Nanostructures Formed on a La3Ga5SiO14 Substrate Using Electron Beam Irradiation

MetadataDetails
Publication Date2023-11-20
JournalNanomaterials
AuthorsE. V. Emelin, Hak Dong Cho, Vitaly I. Korepanov, Liubov A. Varlamova, Darya O. Klimchuk
InstitutionsInstitute of Microelectronics Technology and High Purity Materials, National University of Science and Technology
Citations2
AnalysisFull AI Review Included

Technical Documentation & Analysis: Resistive Switching in Bigraphene/Diamane Nanostructures

Section titled “Technical Documentation & Analysis: Resistive Switching in Bigraphene/Diamane Nanostructures”

This document analyzes the research concerning electron beam-induced formation of 2D diamond (diamane) memristors on Langasite (La${3}$Ga${5}$SiO$_{14}$) substrates. The findings demonstrate a scalable, CMOS-compatible approach to fabricating high-performance resistive switching devices, directly aligning with 6CCVD’s expertise in high-quality MPCVD diamond materials and custom fabrication services.


  • Application Focus: Investigation of resistive switching behavior in lateral bigraphene/diamane nanostructures for energy-efficient artificial intelligence (AI) and neuromorphic computing.
  • Core Achievement: Successful localized phase transition from bilayer graphene (sp$^{2}$) to 2D diamond (diamane, sp$^{3}$) using focused Electron Beam Irradiation (EBI).
  • Memristor Performance: Demonstrated robust resistive switching with an On/Off ratio of approximately 40, comparable to leading 2D material memristors.
  • Switching Mechanism: Switching is controlled by low bias voltage (±0.9 V), inducing the migration and desorption of oxygen-related functional groups, which breaks sp$^{3}$ bonds and restores high conductivity.
  • Material Significance: The use of diamane (2D diamond) confirms the potential of sp$^{3}$-hybridized carbon structures for stable, high-endurance memory applications.
  • Scalability & Compatibility: The EBI-assisted “writing” of memristor structures is compatible with standard electron beam lithography and CMOS technology, opening pathways for large-scale integration using large-area substrates.

ParameterValueUnitContext
Initial Resistance (Bigraphene)360ΩBefore EBI conversion
Final Resistance (Diamane)35kΩAfter EBI conversion
High Resistance State (HRS)~20kΩMemristor operation
Low Resistance State (LRS)~0.5kΩMemristor operation
On/Off Ratio~40DimensionlessResistive switching performance
Switching Voltage (SET/RESET)±0.9VBias voltage sweep
sp$^{3}$ Defect Density (Estimated)10$^{12}$cm$^{-2}$In the irradiated diamane region
Electron Beam Accelerating Voltage25kVFor localized diamane formation
Electron Beam Dose1mC/cm$^{2}$For localized diamane formation
Diamond Cleavage Barrier Reduction~50%N/AReduced by 1.0 eV/Å electric field

The study utilized a combination of Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), advanced transfer techniques, and focused electron beam irradiation (EBI) to create the functional nanostructures.

  1. Graphene Synthesis (CVD): Graphene monolayers were grown on 99.999% pure 25 ”m thick copper foil in a horizontal quartz tube furnace.
    • Temperature: 1020 °C.
    • Pressure: 600 mTorr.
    • Gas Flows: CH${4}$ (40 cm$^{3}$/min), H${2}$ (100 cm$^{3}$/min), Ar (2000 cm$^{3}$/min).
  2. Substrate Preparation & Transfer: A two-step PMMA-assisted transfer process was used to stack two graphene layers (bigraphene) onto a polished La${3}$Ga${5}$SiO$_{14}$ (LGS) substrate.
  3. Electrode Fabrication: Al/Cr side electrodes were deposited onto the bigraphene/LGS structure.
  4. Diamane Formation (EBI): A 300 nm layer of PMMA-950 resist was deposited. A focused electron beam (25 kV accelerating voltage, 1 mC/cm$^{2}$ dose) was used to locally irradiate the bigraphene, inducing a chemically driven phase transition (sp$^{2}$ to sp$^{3}$ hybridization) to form the diamane nanostructure.
  5. Characterization: Raman spectroscopy (532 nm excitation) was used to map the D and G band intensity ratios, confirming the elevated density of sp$^{3}$-hybridized carbon. Transport measurements were performed using a Keithley 2636B SourceMeter.

This research validates the use of sp$^{3}$-hybridized carbon (diamond) structures for next-generation, high-density memory. 6CCVD, as a specialist in MPCVD diamond, is uniquely positioned to support the scaling and optimization of this technology by providing high-quality, custom diamond substrates and advanced fabrication services.

Research Requirement6CCVD Material RecommendationTechnical Justification
High-Purity sp$^{3}$ Carbon BaseOptical Grade Single Crystal Diamond (SCD)Provides the highest purity, lowest defect density sp$^{3}$ lattice, ideal for fundamental studies of diamane formation and stability, minimizing substrate interference.
Scalable, Large-Area SubstratesPolycrystalline Diamond (PCD) WafersPCD offers superior thermal conductivity and mechanical stability. We provide wafers up to 125mm in diameter, essential for scaling this EBI-based, CMOS-compatible fabrication process.
Electrically Active DiamondBoron-Doped Diamond (BDD)For applications requiring an active diamond layer or integrated electrodes, BDD offers tunable conductivity, potentially simplifying the memristor architecture or acting as a robust bottom electrode.
Service Category6CCVD CapabilityRelevance to Memristor Research
Custom Dimensions & ThicknessPlates/wafers up to 125mm (PCD). SCD/PCD thickness from 0.1 ”m to 500 ”m.Enables large-scale integration for neuromorphic arrays and allows researchers to precisely control the substrate thickness for optimizing thermal and electrical boundary conditions.
Surface Finish & PolishingUltra-low roughness: Ra < 1 nm (SCD), Ra < 5 nm (Inch-size PCD).Critical for 2D material transfer (graphene) and subsequent EBI processing, ensuring tight fit and minimal defects at the substrate interface, which directly impacts switching reliability.
Custom MetalizationIn-house deposition of Au, Pt, Pd, Ti, W, Cu, and Cr.We can replicate the Al/Cr electrodes used in the paper or optimize contact layers (e.g., Ti/Pt/Au stacks) for improved adhesion, reduced contact resistance, and enhanced device endurance.
Engineering SupportIn-house PhD team specializing in MPCVD growth and material science.6CCVD’s experts can assist researchers in selecting the optimal diamond grade and surface preparation for similar Resistive Switching/Neuromorphic projects, ensuring material properties meet experimental demands.

For custom specifications or material consultation, visit 6ccvd.com or contact our engineering team directly.

View Original Abstract

Memristors, resistive switching memory devices, play a crucial role in the energy-efficient implementation of artificial intelligence. This study investigates resistive switching behavior in a lateral 2D composite structure composed of bilayer graphene and 2D diamond (diamane) nanostructures formed using electron beam irradiation. The resulting bigraphene/diamane structure exhibits nonlinear charge carrier transport behavior and a significant increase in resistance. It is shown that the resistive switching of the nanostructure is well controlled using bias voltage. The impact of an electrical field on the bonding of diamane-stabilizing functional groups is investigated. By subjecting the lateral bigraphene/diamane/bigraphene nanostructure to a sufficiently strong electric field, the migration of hydrogen ions and/or oxygen-related groups located on one or both sides of the nanostructure can occur. This process leads to the disruption of sp3 carbon bonds, restoring the high conductivity of bigraphene.

  1. 2023 - Memristor-Based Neural Networks: A Bridge from Device to Artificial Intelligence [Crossref]
  2. 2020 - Current Status and Prospects of Memristors Based on Novel 2D Materials [Crossref]
  3. 2022 - Novel Charm of 2D Materials Engineering in Memristor: When Electronics Encounter Layered Morphology [Crossref]
  4. 2016 - 2D Materials and van Der Waals Heterostructures [Crossref]
  5. 2021 - A Roadmap for Disruptive Applications and Heterogeneous Integration Using Two-Dimensional Materials: State-of-the-Art and Technological Challenges [Crossref]
  6. 2023 - Growth and Applications of Two-Dimensional Single Crystals [Crossref]
  7. 2017 - Recent Advances in Ultrathin Two-Dimensional Nanomaterials [Crossref]
  8. 2011 - Chemistry and Physics of a Single Atomic Layer: Strategies and Challenges for Functionalization of Graphene and Graphene-Based Materials [Crossref]
  9. 2011 - Resistive Switching in Al/Graphene Oxide/Al Structure [Crossref]