Tunable resistive switching in shales

Electrically induced resistive switching is a subject of increasing scientific interest because it is a candidate for universal non-volatile memory. We demonstrate resistive switching in a natural reservoir shale. The resistance of the rocks is repeatedly switched between the high-resistance state and low-resistance state, being controlled by the setting and measuring voltages as well as the duration of excitation. The shale can be continuously switched over 40 times under appropriate voltage pulses with a maximum on/off ratio higher than 20, as well as small energy consumption and a power density of less than 1 mW/mm2 at 40 V. This phenomenon has also been observed in tight sandstones and some other sedimentary rocks. In contrast to conventional resistive memory devices, rocks with tunable properties are promising for data storage applications because of their low cost and simplicity, as well as being easily and safely disposable. Rocks and minerals with tunable properties are promising for storage applications, which may provide the functional use of those materials.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC

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