Controlling Reversible Dielectric Breakdown in Metal/Polymer Nanocomposites

Composites comprising metal nanorods encased in a polymer matrix exhibit reversible electric breakdown and can be cycled between low- and high-conductance states multiple times without permanent damage to the material. The voltage at which the breakdown occurs can be adjusted by engineering the properties of the polymeric matrix, in particular by doping the polymer with dipole-possessing additives whose role is to screen the applied electric fields.