Flexible Memristor-Based Nanoelectronic Devices for Wearable Applications: A Review

Abstract

In the high-tech and intelligent era of the 21st century, as one of the important electronic devices, wearable electronic products can effectively improve work efficiency and quality of life. Since memristors have broad application prospects in information storage, neural synapses, neural networks, neuromorphic computation, electronic skin (e-skin), and brain-like chips, the development of flexible electronic devices based on memristors has received extensive attention. However, the incompatibility between the flexible substrate and the functional layer, the performance degradation after repeated bending, and the instability of devices in the biological environment greatly limit the commercial application of flexible memristors. In this review, the characteristics and applications of different types of functional layer nanomaterial-based memristors are first analyzed, and the preparation and integration of the devices are discussed. Then the development bottleneck of flexible memristors is introduced, and corresponding solutions are proposed. Finally, we look forward to the development of intelligent flexible memristors and point out the direction for the development of wearable electronic products based on flexible memristors, which promotes research of flexible memristors in artificial intelligence.

Highly Flexible Non-Volatile Resistive Memory Devices Based on ZnO Nanoparticle/Graphene Heterostructures Embedded in Poly(methyl methacrylate)

“…GO was synthesized via modified Hummer's method by the oxidation of an inexpensive graphite precursor with strong oxidizing agents such as sulfuric acid and potassium permanganate with sodium nitrate as the catalyst . This synthesis was performed inside an ultrasonic bath to reduce the duration of the oxidation step with a faster exfoliation process that decreases the number of layers of GO.…”

“…Additionally, inorganic layers are brittle and mechanically unstable and thus cannot be accommodated in new-generation flexible and portable microelectronics. To overcome this serious drawback, solution-processed polymer nanocomposite (PNC)-based resistive switching layers are developed, which combine the resistive switching ability of inorganic nanostructures with the mechanical flexibility of polymers . However, the reported operating voltages and On-to-Off current ratio ( I on / I off ratio) of PNC-based devices are still not favorable for practical device application, and detailed studies of different factors affecting the device performance are required to achieve their maximal potential .…”

Memristor based electronic devices towards biomedical applications

“…This is particularly crucial for implantable medical devices such as pacemakers, which require extended operation and minimize the need for battery replacements. 64 (2) Memristors are of paramount importance for the storage of extensive patient data and medical images. Their high-density storage capacity can enhance the performance and efficiency of medical devices.…”

PEDOT-ZnO Nanoparticle Hybrid Film-Based Memristors for Synapse Emulation in Neuromorphic Computing Applications

“…Neuromorphic computing is inspired by biological principles, aiming to create energy-efficient artificial neurons and synapses that enable brain-like learning and memory for handling complex tasks. − Memristors play a crucial role as fundamental device-level components in neuromorphic systems, providing the capacity for synaptic plasticity and serving as high-performance hardware platforms for advanced information processing. Widely recognized for their potential, memristors have become key elements in energy-efficient circuitry. − Recent developments in neuromorphic computing have emphasized the significance of analog memristors.…”