Biomimetic liquid metal synapse

This article proposes a new conceptual biomimetic liquid metal synapse (LMS), which operates on a principle that resembles electrochemical structural plasticity, distinct from conventional electronic state transitions. Its core architecture and biomimetic working mechanism have been clarified, which are governed by synergistic, persistent changes in the interfacial oxide layer and ion concentration at the liquid metal-electrolyte junction. These synergistic effects enable the precise modulation of synaptic strength through electrolyte engineering. The LMS demonstrates electrical behaviors analogous to fundamental neurobiological functions, such as signal transmission and persistent state changes reminiscent of long-term plasticity, which are rooted in permanent morphological and compositional reconstruction akin to biological systems. The inherent deformability, self-repair capacity, and high conductivity of liquid metal facilitate the design of neural networks that replicate the dynamic, adaptive signaling essential for flexible intelligent devices. The insights from the LMSs suggest a promising pathway for future research into next-generation neural functional architectures.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
npj Flexible Electronics
Published
2025-12-22
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41528-025-00514-4
Primary Topic
Advanced Memory and Neural Computing
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

Funders

Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Biomimetic liquid metal synapse

Chunxue Wan, Xilong Zhang, Lei Li, Jing Liu et al.
npj Flexible Electronics
Advanced Memory and Neural Computing
article

Biomimetic liquid metal synapse

Chunxue Wan, Xilong Zhang, Lei Li, Jing Liu, Jianye Gao
article en

Abstract

This article proposes a new conceptual biomimetic liquid metal synapse (LMS), which operates on a principle that resembles electrochemical structural plasticity, distinct from conventional electronic state transitions. Its core architecture and biomimetic working mechanism have been clarified, which are governed by synergistic, persistent changes in the interfacial oxide layer and ion concentration at the liquid metal-electrolyte junction. These synergistic effects enable the precise modulation of synaptic strength through electrolyte engineering. The LMS demonstrates electrical behaviors analogous to fundamental neurobiological functions, such as signal transmission and persistent state changes reminiscent of long-term plasticity, which are rooted in permanent morphological and compositional reconstruction akin to biological systems. The inherent deformability, self-repair capacity, and high conductivity of liquid metal facilitate the design of neural networks that replicate the dynamic, adaptive signaling essential for flexible intelligent devices. The insights from the LMSs suggest a promising pathway for future research into next-generation neural functional architectures.

npj Flexible ElectronicsVol. 9(1)
Chinese Academy of Sciences (CN), Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry (CN), University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CN), Tsinghua University (CN)
China Postdoctoral Science Foundation
Openalex Percentile: Top 43%
Advanced Memory and Neural Computing
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.

Biomimetic liquid metal synapse — Chunxue Wan, Xilong Zhang, et al. · npj Flexible Electronics (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS