A phase change memory (PCM) cell can include a PCM layer. A first electrode and a second electrode disposed on opposite sides of the PCM layer. The first electrode, the second electrode, or both includes a metal ceramic composite material layer disposed between an upper barrier layer and a lower barrier layer and wherein the metal ceramic composite material layer provides a corresponding electrode with an electrical resistivity of from 10 mOhm-cm to 1000 mOhm-cm.