Study of a Stretchable Polymer for Adjustable Flexible Organic Memristor

Inspired by the excellent characteristics of high stretchability, transparency, and good biocompatibility in thermoplastic polymer polyurethane (TPU), the skin-like flexible electronic devices with TPU layer were constructed. By adjusting the electrode type, the sandwiched structure of TPU-based electronic devices with different functions were realized, and their electrical characteristics and resistance memory mechanisms were studied. The organic bistable device (OBD) with active Ag-electrode showed an abrupt resistance change, remarkable symmetry of set and reset voltage, and good electrical reliability. The organic memristor with inert Au-electrode showed essential synaptic plasticity behaviors, including potentiation/depression characteristics, short-term plasticity (STP), and long-term plasticity (LTP). Furthermore, a stretchable organic memristor with fundamental synaptic functions has been implemented even under tensile strain of 50%. Our work is aimed at the basic research of the fabrication of organic functional devices, which can offer a valuable guidance for the electrode and medium layer for the construction of organic electronic devices and the development of flexible artificial intelligence and neuron computing systems in the future.

Automated summary

Inspired by the excellent characteristics of TPU, skin-like flexible electronic devices were constructed. Different functions were realized through adjusting the electrode type and studying their electrical characteristics. The devices showed abrupt resistance change, synaptic plasticity behaviors, and fundamental synaptic functions even under tensile strain of 50%.