Zernike Seminar: Ilia Valov (Peter Grünberg Institut, Jülich and IWE2, RWTH Aachen, Germany) - Nanoionic systems for the modern nanoelectronics - how memristors can change our future

The knowledge and control on physicochemical processes and properties of materials at the nano or sub-nano scale is of a primary interest for a wide spectrum of sciences, but of a particular importance for the fields of energy conversion and storage, catalysis, sensors and information technologies. However, both fundamental science and industrial applications face their limits, when few or even single atoms, ions or electrons must be manipulated in order to ensure particular functionalities. Deviations from classical macroscopic theories, high reactivity, and insufficient equipment sensitivity are only few of the challenges the research needs to overcome.

The Memristor (Memory + Resistor) is an example for such a system, with operation principles relying on mass and charge transport at the nanoscale. It is considered as one of the building units of the future nanoelectronics, providing functionalities allowing its application for smart devices, artificial intelligence circuits, neuromorphic functions, alternative logic operations, bio-inspired, flexible, transparent and energy efficient electronics.

In this presentation, the memrsitor and memristor functionalities will be introduced, as well as the decisive role of nanoscale materials and processes. It will be shown that macroscopic definitions for insulator, electrolyte and semiconductor merge at the nanoscale and all these classes of materials are able to conduct ions and undergo electrochemical transformations.

The intrinsic and extrinsic factors influencing the nanoscale properties and their relations to selected processes and functionalities will be exemplarily discussed and some general design rules for these materials will be provided. The role of interfaces, interface interactions and local structure changes is highlighted.

Finally, learning processes based on the electrochemical atomic switch will be demonstrated.        

Contact & more about Ilia:

Ilia Valov - Peter Grünberg Institut, Jülich and IWE2, RWTH Aachen, Germany