Resistive switching effects depending on Ni content in Au/Ni_:XPt_{(1- x)} nanoparticle devices

We synthesized Ni_xPt_(1-x) nanoparticles with x ranging from 1 to 0.7. The particle size increases with the increasing Ni content. The I-V characteristics of Au/Ni_xPt_(1-x) nanoparticles/Nb-0.7 wt%-doped SrTiO₃ are investigated. The resistive switching effects of Ni_xPt_(1-x) nanoparticles at 300 K are observed, which are more pronounced than those of pure Ni. Remarkably, the R_on/R_off ratio increases with increasing Ni. Moreover, the RS effect remains after 50 cycles, presenting good endurance properties. With the samples annealed under different atmospheres, the concentration of oxygen vacancies varies inside the switching layer. The migration of oxygen vacancies is responsible for the RS effect.