Organic neuromorphic computing/sensing platforms are a promising concept for local monitoring and processing of biological signals in real time. Neuromorphic devices and sensors with low conductance for low power consumption and high conductance for low‐impedance sensing are desired. However, it has been a struggle to find materials and fabrication methods that satisfy both of these properties simultaneously in a single substrate. Here, nanofiber channels with a self‐formed ion‐blocking layer are fabricated to create organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) that can be tailored to achieve low‐power neuromorphic computing and fast‐response sensing by transferring different amounts of electrospun nanofibers to each device. With their nanofiber architecture, the OECTs exhibit a low switching energy of 113 fJ and operate within a wide bandwidth (cut‐off frequency of 13.5 kHz), opening a new paradigm for energy‐efficient neuromorphic computing/sensing platforms in a biological environment without the leakage of personal information.
Bioelectronic devices that offer real-time measurements, biological signal processing, and continuous monitoring while maintaining stable performance are in high demand. The materials used in organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) demonstrate high transconductance (GM) and excellent biocompatibility, making them suitable for bioelectronics in a biological environment. However, ion migration in OECTs induces a delayed response time and low cut-off frequency, and the adverse biological environment causes OECT durability problems. Herein, we present OECTs with a faster response time and improved durability, made possible by using a nanofiber mat channel of a conventional OECT structure. Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS)/polyacrylamide (PAAm) nanofiber mat channel OECTs are fabricated and subjected to various durability tests for the first time based on continuous measurements and mechanical stability assessments. The results indicate that the nanofiber mat channel OECTs have a faster response time and longer life spans compared to those of film channel OECTs. The improvements can be attributed to the increased surface area and fibrous structure of the nanofiber mat channel. Furthermore, the hydrogel helps to maintain the structure of the nanofiber, facilitates material exchange, and eliminates the need for a crosslinker.
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