Nanofluidic logic with mechano-ionic memristive switches

TL;DR

This paper introduces a scalable nanofluidic memristive device that mimics neural processing using ions, enabling in-memory ionic computation with potential for brain-inspired systems.

Contribution

It presents a novel, scalable nanofluidic device with mechano-ionic memristive switching for circuit-scale in-memory processing.

Findings

Device operates at second timescale

Conductance ratio ranges from 10 to 60

Memory arises from reversible liquid blister formation

Abstract

While most neuromorphic systems are based on nanoscale electronic devices, nature relies on ions for energy-efficient information processing. Therefore, finding memristive nanofluidic devices is a milestone toward realizing electrolytic computers mimicking the brain down to its basic principles of operation. Here, we present a nanofluidic device designed for circuit scale in-memory processing that combines single-digit nanometric confinement and large entrance asymmetry. Our fabrication process is scalable while the device operates at the second timescale with a conductance ratio in the range 10-60. In-operando optical microscopy unveils the origin of memory, arising from the reversible formation of liquid blisters modulating the device conductance. The combination of features of these mechano-ionic memristive switches permits assembling logic circuits composed of two interactive devices and an ohmic resistor. These results open the way to design multi-component ionic machinery, such as nanofluidic neural networks, and implementing brain-inspired ionic computations.