Switching kinetics of electrochemical metallization memory cells.

The strongly nonlinear switching kinetics of electrochemical metallization memory (ECM) cells are investigated using an advanced 1D simulation model. It is based on the electrochemical growth and dissolution of a Ag or Cu filament within a solid thin film and accounts for nucleation effects, charge transfer, and cation drift. The model predictions are consistent with experimental switching results of a time range of 12 orders of magnitude obtained from silver iodide (AgI) based ECM cells. By analyzing the simulation results the electrochemical processes limiting the switching kinetics are revealed. This study provides new insights into the understanding of the limiting electrochemical processes determining the switching kinetics of ECM cells.