Effect of the Electrode Material on Electronic Switching in a Metal–Polymer–Metal Structure

We investigate the effect of the reversible electronic switching of thin polymer films (40–1300 nm) into a metal-like state under the action of low uniaxial mechanical pressure (0–240 kPa). The dependences of the critical pressure on the effective work function of the electrodes, applied voltage, and polymer-film thickness are studied. An increase in the effective work function leads to an increase in the critical pressure, as well as an increase in the thickness of the polymer film. The results are interpreted in terms of changes in the parameters of the potential barrier at the metal–polymer interface with a change in the work function of the metal. The size dependence of the conductivity on pressure correlates with a change in the activation energy of trapping centers in the polymer film due to a change in supramolecular ordering.