In the rapidly evolving landscape of computing technology, neuromorphic computing stands out as a transformative approach. Drawing inspiration from the architecture and operational principles of the human brain, this innovative paradigm enables parallel information processing while dramatically reducing energy consumption. Such efficiency is paramount in an era characterized by exponential data growth, which conventional computing systems struggle to manage sustainably.
Central to the development of neuromorphic systems is the memristor, an electronic component that emulates the dynamic behavior of synapses and neurons. Unlike traditional components, memristors possess the unique ability to retain a memory of electrical states, thereby facilitating adaptive learning and signal processing capabilities inherent to biological neural networks. This intrinsic property positions memristors as indispensable elements in next-generation computing devices aimed at mimicking cognitive functions.
Current state-of-the-art memristor technologies predominantly utilize lead halide perovskites (Pb-HP). These materials have demonstrated promising electrical performance and synaptic behavior; however, their widespread adoption is significantly impeded by the presence of toxic lead. The environmental and health risks associated with lead usage call for a paradigm shift toward eco-friendly alternatives without compromising device efficiency or reliability.
Addressing this critical challenge, Dr. Ignacio Sanjuán from the Universitat Jaume I of Castelló is spearheading the MemSusPer project, an ambitious initiative dedicated to the development of sustainable, lead-free halide perovskite memristors. The project aims to deliver devices that not only match but exceed current standards in terms of performance, stability, and reproducibility, all while maintaining low power consumption—a vital criterion for scalable neuromorphic architectures.
Spanning 24 months, the MemSusPer research endeavor is structured around three core objectives. Primarily, it seeks to fabricate advanced lead-free halide perovskite memristors exhibiting superior layer quality and optimized material properties. This involves innovative synthesis techniques and precise control over crystallographic features to enhance device consistency and operational longevity.
A second significant focus is the exploration and integration of novel inorganic materials alongside mixed organic ionic electronic conductors. These compounds are investigated for their potential to enhance electrical conductivity and impart tunable electrochemical characteristics, which are essential for emulating complex neuronal functions within memristor arrays.
The final phase of the project revolves around the design, fabrication, and characterization of sophisticated, miniaturized memristor networks. These interconnected systems will be rigorously evaluated to assess their computational effectiveness and suitability for real-world neuromorphic applications, marking a critical step toward the practical deployment of the technology.
To realize these objectives, Dr. Sanjuán has joined forces with the Active Materials and Systems Group at the Institute of Advanced Materials (INAM) of Universitat Jaume I, under the leadership of Professor Antonio Guerrero. This research group boasts a distinguished history in memristor and photovoltaic solar cell investigation and possesses deep expertise in the electronic aspects of perovskite and organic photovoltaic materials—foundational knowledge pivotal to memristor innovation.
The project’s concluding phase will transition to the Institute of Emerging Technologies at the Hellenic Mediterranean University in Greece, where Dr. Sanjuán will collaborate with Professor Konstantinos Rogdakis and the Nano@HMU research group. This team operates at the forefront of nanoscience and pioneering solution-processed materials, advancing the industrialization of printed electronics and energy harvesting and storage technologies, thereby enriching the research with interdisciplinary expertise.
Dr. Ignacio Sanjuán Moltó’s extensive background in electrochemistry, particularly in electrocatalysis, electroanalysis, and water treatment, equips him with the analytical tools necessary to push the envelope in memristor research. His academic journey, including a PhD from the University of Alicante, combined with international experience at renowned institutions such as the Sorbonne University and the University of Duisburg-Essen, underscores his capacity to meld diverse scientific insights into innovative electronic device fabrication.
Within INAM, Dr. Sanjuán employs sophisticated electrochemical techniques rarely applied in optoelectronics, such as specialized electrode preparation and the design of three-electrode systems. These approaches allow for a nuanced exploration of the electrochemical properties underpinning memristor function, thus contributing to a cutting-edge research trajectory that commenced with the NEUROVISIONM project—a Valencian Regional Government-funded initiative aiming to pioneer neuromorphic technologies.
The MemSusPer project is supported by a prestigious European Union Horizon Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions postdoctoral fellowship, reflecting its significance and potential impact. These fellowships are designed to cultivate scientific excellence by promoting advanced training, fostering international mobility, and encouraging novel project development among promising researchers. The grant supporting this initiative is catalogued under agreement number HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01-101207139, signaling robust institutional endorsement at the continental level.
As the MemSusPer project advances, its outcomes may revolutionize the integration of environmentally friendly materials into neuromorphic computing. By circumventing the constraints imposed by lead toxicity, this research opens avenues for sustainable, scalable, and highly efficient electronic systems that could redefine industries reliant on intelligent data processing. The convergence of deep materials science expertise, innovative engineering, and multidisciplinary collaboration exemplifies a forward-looking vision poised to reshape the future of computing.
Subject of Research: Development of sustainable, lead-free halide perovskite memristors for high-performance neuromorphic computing.
Article Title: Advancing Neuromorphic Technology: The Quest for Lead-Free Halide Perovskite Memristors.
News Publication Date: Not specified in the source material.
Image Credits: Damián Llorens. Universitat Jaume I of Castellon.
Keywords
Neuromorphic computing, memristors, lead-free perovskites, sustainable electronics, halide perovskite, electrochemical properties, next-generation computing, memristor networks, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, semiconductor materials, printed electronics, neuro-inspired systems.
