Iontronic memories based on ionic redox systems: operation protocols

Abstract

A recently developed, new ionic device called the ionic voltage effect soft triode (IVEST) was optimized, tuned and embedded into a memory application concept. The device is an electrochemical micro-cell, consisting of a top electrode and two bottom electrodes. The device controls the concentration and diffusion of ions via the voltage applied on the top electrode. The device showed a memory effect lasting up to 6 hours. Despite the remarkably large stability time, the memory contrast was small in the first device versions. Now, we have increased the memory contrast by introducing a new external electrical circuit layout combined with a new operation protocol. This new investigation also reveals peculiarities of the memory and shows that the IVEST can be used in memory applications. These iontronic memories show a secondary information storage connected with the read-out frequency.