# Nanofluidic logic with mechano–ionic memristive switches

## TL;DR

This paper introduces nanofluidic devices that mimic brain-like computing by using ions to create memory and logic circuits.

## Contribution

The novelty lies in scalable nanofluidic memristive switches that enable in-memory processing and basic logic circuits.

## Key findings

- Nanofluidic devices with large entrance asymmetry operate as memristive switches with conductance ratios up to 60.
- Memory capabilities arise from reversible formation of liquid blisters observed via in operando optical microscopy.
- Interactive nanofluidic switches and an ohmic resistor can assemble into basic logic circuits.

## Abstract

Neuromorphic systems are typically based on nanoscale electronic devices, but nature relies on ions for energy-efficient information processing. Nanofluidic memristive devices could thus potentially be used to construct electrolytic computers that mimic the brain down to its basic principles of operation. Here we report a nanofluidic device that is designed for circuit-scale in-memory processing. The device, which is fabricated using a scalable process, combines single-digit nanometric confinement and large entrance asymmetry and operates on the second timescale with a conductance ratio in the range of 9 to 60. In operando optical microscopy shows that the memory capabilities are due to the reversible formation of liquid blisters that modulate the conductance of the device. We use these mechano–ionic memristive switches to assemble logic circuits composed of two interactive devices and an ohmic resistor.

Nanofluidic devices with a large entrance asymmetry can function as memristive switches—operating on the second timescale and with a conductance ratio of up to sixty—and can be assembled into basic logic circuits.