Cobalt ferrite as an active material for resistive random-access memory

Abstract

Cobalt ferrite is one of the candidates from spinel ferrite family and can be termed as an active material in resistive random-access memory (RRAM) cell because of its excellent performance in switching devices. In this article, the review on the role of cobalt ferrite as an active insulator material for metal/insulator/metal (M/I/M) configuration is discussed. The mode of metal/CoFe$_{2}$O$_{4}/$metal memory cell depends on the electrode material. The metal/CoFe$_{2}$O$_{4}/$metal memory cell exhibits either unipolar resistive switching or bipolar resistive switching characteristics. The switching mechanism of the metal/CoFe$_{2}$O$_{4}/$metal memory cell can be well understood using conducting filament model. The review suggests that the switching cycle characteristics can be improved by proper choice of electrodes, synthesis technique and thickness of the active material thin film.