Monte Carlo simulation of the percolation in Ag30Ge17Se53 amorphous electrolyte films

Abstract

Monte Carlo simulations using a dielectrophoresis model were performed to investigate the microstructural evolution and the conductance change of an Ag30Ge17Se53 electrolyte film clapped by a Ag active electrode, at which a positive bias was applied, and a Pt inert electrode. It has been revealed that driven by the electrical field Ag ions were injected into the electrolyte from the Ag electrode to form conductive particles, thereafter, the particles align themselves in nanowires connecting Ag electrode and Pt electrode and leading to an electrical percolation. It is responsible for the resistive switching of the system. The transmission electron microscopic observations and resistive measurement results are in good agreement with the results of simulations.