Melanin/PEDOT:PSS organic synaptic transistors: a step towards sustainable neuromorphic applications

Inspired by the functioning of the human brain, organic synaptic transistors represent a promising avenue for developing neuromorphic technologies. However, achieving sustainability while maintaining performance and functionality remains a critical challenge. Here, we report on an innovative strateg...

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Main Authors: Natan L Nozella, Guilherme S Selmi, Nayrim B Guerra, Marcelo R Piton, Carlos F O Graeff, Rafael F de Oliveira
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: IOP Publishing 2025-01-01
Series:Neuromorphic Computing and Engineering
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1088/2634-4386/adbccd
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author Natan L Nozella
Guilherme S Selmi
Nayrim B Guerra
Marcelo R Piton
Carlos F O Graeff
Rafael F de Oliveira
author_facet Natan L Nozella
Guilherme S Selmi
Nayrim B Guerra
Marcelo R Piton
Carlos F O Graeff
Rafael F de Oliveira
author_sort Natan L Nozella
collection DOAJ
description Inspired by the functioning of the human brain, organic synaptic transistors represent a promising avenue for developing neuromorphic technologies. However, achieving sustainability while maintaining performance and functionality remains a critical challenge. Here, we report on an innovative strategy where synthetic melanin (Mel)—a natural pigment known for its improved ionic–electronic coupling, high volumetric capacitance, and environmentally friendly characteristics—is blended with benchmark poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) to fabricate synaptic transistors. Mel/PEDOT:PSS blends having different amounts of Mel have been systematically evaluated as semiconducting layer in organic electrochemical transistors. Our findings reveal that Mel incorporation at different concentrations enables tunable synaptic responses, such as enhanced memory retention and access to multiple memory states. These effects arise from the unique properties of Mel which modulate the charge density of PEDOT:PSS in a controlled manner. This approach demonstrates the potential for developing highly stable, multi-level memory materials for organic neuromorphic devices while addressing sustainability goals. We believe our strategy can open new avenues via the integration of natural and bio-inspired materials into organic semiconductors towards the development of sustainable neuromorphic technologies.
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publishDate 2025-01-01
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series Neuromorphic Computing and Engineering
spelling doaj-art-b30e2d336c6f4352bae778d2a75ef2e62025-08-20T02:06:27ZengIOP PublishingNeuromorphic Computing and Engineering2634-43862025-01-015101401410.1088/2634-4386/adbccdMelanin/PEDOT:PSS organic synaptic transistors: a step towards sustainable neuromorphic applicationsNatan L Nozella0https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5119-8254Guilherme S Selmi1Nayrim B Guerra2Marcelo R Piton3Carlos F O Graeff4https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0162-8273Rafael F de Oliveira5https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8980-3587São Paulo State University (UNESP) , School of Sciences, POSMAT—Post-Graduate Program in Materials Science and Technology, Bauru 17033-360, SP, Brazil; Brazilian Nanotechnology National Laboratory (LNNano) , Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas 13083-100, SP, BrazilBrazilian Nanotechnology National Laboratory (LNNano) , Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas 13083-100, SP, Brazil; Institute of Physics ‘Gleb Wataghin’ (IFGW) , University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-859, SP, BrazilSão Paulo State University (UNESP) , School of Sciences, POSMAT—Post-Graduate Program in Materials Science and Technology, Bauru 17033-360, SP, BrazilBrazilian Nanotechnology National Laboratory (LNNano) , Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas 13083-100, SP, BrazilSão Paulo State University (UNESP) , School of Sciences, POSMAT—Post-Graduate Program in Materials Science and Technology, Bauru 17033-360, SP, BrazilSão Paulo State University (UNESP) , School of Sciences, POSMAT—Post-Graduate Program in Materials Science and Technology, Bauru 17033-360, SP, Brazil; Brazilian Nanotechnology National Laboratory (LNNano) , Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas 13083-100, SP, Brazil; Institute of Physics ‘Gleb Wataghin’ (IFGW) , University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-859, SP, BrazilInspired by the functioning of the human brain, organic synaptic transistors represent a promising avenue for developing neuromorphic technologies. However, achieving sustainability while maintaining performance and functionality remains a critical challenge. Here, we report on an innovative strategy where synthetic melanin (Mel)—a natural pigment known for its improved ionic–electronic coupling, high volumetric capacitance, and environmentally friendly characteristics—is blended with benchmark poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) to fabricate synaptic transistors. Mel/PEDOT:PSS blends having different amounts of Mel have been systematically evaluated as semiconducting layer in organic electrochemical transistors. Our findings reveal that Mel incorporation at different concentrations enables tunable synaptic responses, such as enhanced memory retention and access to multiple memory states. These effects arise from the unique properties of Mel which modulate the charge density of PEDOT:PSS in a controlled manner. This approach demonstrates the potential for developing highly stable, multi-level memory materials for organic neuromorphic devices while addressing sustainability goals. We believe our strategy can open new avenues via the integration of natural and bio-inspired materials into organic semiconductors towards the development of sustainable neuromorphic technologies.https://doi.org/10.1088/2634-4386/adbccdorganic neuromorphic devicesorganic electrochemical transistorsmelaninPEDOT:PSSsustainable electronics
spellingShingle Natan L Nozella
Guilherme S Selmi
Nayrim B Guerra
Marcelo R Piton
Carlos F O Graeff
Rafael F de Oliveira
Melanin/PEDOT:PSS organic synaptic transistors: a step towards sustainable neuromorphic applications
Neuromorphic Computing and Engineering
organic neuromorphic devices
organic electrochemical transistors
melanin
PEDOT:PSS
sustainable electronics
title Melanin/PEDOT:PSS organic synaptic transistors: a step towards sustainable neuromorphic applications
title_full Melanin/PEDOT:PSS organic synaptic transistors: a step towards sustainable neuromorphic applications
title_fullStr Melanin/PEDOT:PSS organic synaptic transistors: a step towards sustainable neuromorphic applications
title_full_unstemmed Melanin/PEDOT:PSS organic synaptic transistors: a step towards sustainable neuromorphic applications
title_short Melanin/PEDOT:PSS organic synaptic transistors: a step towards sustainable neuromorphic applications
title_sort melanin pedot pss organic synaptic transistors a step towards sustainable neuromorphic applications
topic organic neuromorphic devices
organic electrochemical transistors
melanin
PEDOT:PSS
sustainable electronics
url https://doi.org/10.1088/2634-4386/adbccd
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