Flexible and transparent memristive synapse based on polyvinylpyrrolidone/N-doped carbon quantum dot nanocomposites for neuromorphic computing

Memristive devices are widely recognized as promising hardware implementations of neuromorphic computing. Herein, a flexible and transparent memristive synapse based on polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)/N-doped carbon quantum dot (NCQD) nanocomposites through regulating the NCQD doping concentration is reported. In situ Kelvin probe force microscopy showed that the trapping/detrapping of space charge can account for the memristive mechanism of the device. Diverse synaptic functions, including excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC), paired-pulse facilitation (PPF), spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP), and the transition from short-term plasticity (STP) to long-term plasticity (LTP), are emulated, enabling the PVP–NCQD hybrid system to be a valuable candidate for the design of novel artificial neural architectures. In addition, the synaptic device showed excellent flexibility against mechanical strain after repeated bending tests. This work provides a new approach to develop flexible and transparent organic artificial synapses for future wearable neuromorphic computing systems.