Development and characterization of novel geopolymer-based artificial synapses

This work presents the development of geopolymer (GP) memristors, low-cost ceramic materials manufactured at room temperature, that demonstrate memristive properties for the first time. These memristors emulate synaptic functions through a unique electroosmosis-based switching mechanism, where ion channels formed within the material’s pores alter its conductance. Geopolymers exhibit synaptic plasticity behaviors such as Short-Term Plasticity (STP), Long-Term Plasticity (LTP), Spike-Timing-Dependent Plasticity (STDP), and Paired-Pulse Facilitation (PPF), making them promising candidates for neuromorphic computing applications. A novel, inexpensive micron-scale manufacturing process is also proposed, as well as a functionalization of geopolymers with ionic liquids (ILs) that significantly improves memory retention (up to 78%) and synaptic behavior over a period of a month. These advancements position IL-functionalized GP memristors as strong contenders for use in neuromorphic computing applications such as reservoir computing.