Open this publication in new window or tab >>Show others...
2020 (English)In: Nature Nanotechnology, ISSN 1748-3387, E-ISSN 1748-3395, Vol. 15, no 5, p. 380-389Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]
Electronic symmetry breaking by charge disproportionation results in multifaceted changes in the electronic, magnetic and optical properties of a material, triggering ferroelectricity, metal/insulator transition and colossal magnetoresistance. Yet, charge disproportionation lacks technological relevance because it occurs only under specific physical conditions of high or low temperature or high pressure. Here we demonstrate a voltage-triggered charge disproportionation in thin molecular films of a metal-organic complex occurring in ambient conditions. This provides a technologically relevant molecular route for simultaneous realization of a ternary memristor and a binary memcapacitor, scalable down to a device area of 60 nm(2). Supported by mathematical modelling, our results establish that multiple memristive states can be functionally non-volatile, yet discrete-a combination perceived as theoretically prohibited. Our device could be used as a binary or ternary memristor, a binary memcapacitor or both concomitantly, and unlike the existing 'continuous state' memristors, its discrete states are optimal for high-density, ultra-low-energy digital computing. Charge disproportionation in thin molecular films of a metal-organic complex enables the realization of a ternary memristor and binary memcapacitor.
National Category
Physical Sciences
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:su:diva-181140 (URN)10.1038/s41565-020-0653-1 (DOI)000521528700001 ()32203436 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-85083361792 (Scopus ID)
Note
For correction, see: Nat. Nanotechnol. 18, 1116 (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41565-023-01461-9
2020-05-192020-05-192024-10-23Bibliographically approved