Two-terminal proton conducting devices with synaptic behavior and memory

With the recent physical demonstration of memristive-based devices low-power two terminal devices with memory and learning functions have advanced electronics and neuromorphic computing. To this end, typically slow moving ions are coupled with fast moving electrons. Ionic motion affords memory, with electronic current as the output signal. Here, we introduce fully ionic two-terminal devices in which protons provide both memory and output signal. These devices exhibit synaptic-like reversible short-term depression, memory, and can be turned “ON” and “OFF” with as little as 30 fJ of energy per bit if appropriately miniaturized.