Dual-gate Neurotransistors for Bio-inspired Multi-synaptic Integration

Abstract

Biological nervous systems perform sophisticated computation of multi-input signals and synaptic integration via ion migration across protein nanochannels, underpinning a broad spectrum of intelligent neural activities. Inspired by this biological mechanism, we construct a dual-gate ion transistor based on carbon nanotubes/polypyrrole (CNTs/PPy) composite nanochannels to mimic the signal processing behavior of biological synapses. The discontinuous gradient distribution of PPy guarantees independent modulation by the two gates and induces pronounced asymmetric electrical output properties. Electrical characterizations confirm that the dual-gate configuration activates additional ion transport pathways within the nanochannels. By adjusting the electropolymerization time of PPy, three devices with different degrees of asymmetry are obtained, which effectively emulate synaptic suppression, synergistic enhancement, and linear integration as observed in biological neurons. This study provides a facile and robust strategy for constructing a dual-gate ion transistor platform, establishing a reliable foundation for high-performance multi-input biomimetic neuromorphic computing.

Keywords

Dual-gate neurotransistor / Nanofluidics / Neuromorphic device / Polypyrrole / Multi-synaptic integration

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Jilin University, The Editorial Department of Chemical Research in Chinese Universities and Springer-Verlag GmbH