Neural Functions Enabled by a Polarity-Switchable\nNanofluidic Memristor

Reproducing\nneural functions with artificial nanofluidic systems\nhas long been an aspirational goal for neuromorphic computing. In\nthis study, neural functions, such as neural activation and synaptic\nplasticity, are successfully accomplished with a polarity-switchable\nnanofluidic memristor (PSNM), which is based on the anodized aluminum\noxide (AAO) nanochannel array. The PSNM has unipolar memristive behavior\nat high electrolyte concentrations and bipolar memristive behavior\nat low electrolyte concentrations, which can emulate neural activation\nand synaptic plasticity, respectively. The mechanisms for the unipolar\nand bipolar memristive behaviors are related to the polyelectrolytic\nWien (PEW) effect and ion accumulation/depletion effect, respectively.\nThese findings are beneficial to the advancement of neuromorphic computing\non nanofluidic platforms.