Reversible resistance modulation in mesoscopic silver wires induced by exposure to amine vapor

Ensembles of silver nanowires (AgNEs) with diameters ranging from 200 nm to 1.0 [micro]m have been prepared by electrochemical step edge decoration. These AgNEs showed a rapid ( |-50%|) irreversible decrease in resistance was seen upon exposures to acids including HCl, HN[O.sub.3], and [H.sub.2]S[O.sub.4]. Based on these and other data, we propose a model in which oxidized constrictions in silver nanowires limit the conductivity of the wire and provide a means for 'gating' conduction based on the protonation state of the oxide surface.