Ion Transport Under Sub-nanometer Confinement for Fluidic Memristors and Neuromorphic Computing

doi:10.1007/s40242-026-6150-9

Abstract

Abstract: When nanopore dimensions approach the size of hydrated ions (sub-nanometer scale), ion transport deviates markedly from classical continuum descriptions. Under such extreme confinement, hydration-shell distortion, dielectric self-energy barriers, ion-pair dissociation, and ion-surface interactions collectively give rise to nonlinear conduction, ionic Coulomb blockade, and history-dependent ion transport. These confined phenomena provide a physical basis for fluidic memristors that emulate biological synaptic functions. This review summarizes recent advances in artificial sub-nanometer structures, anomalous ion transport mechanisms, fluidic memristors, synaptic plasticity emulation, and neuromorphic computing applications. Particular attention is paid to how confined ion transport mechanisms are translated into internal state variables of fluidic memristors, including ion-pair fraction, adsorbed ion density, concentration distribution, and wetting states. Finally, we discuss the current challenges and future opportunities in precise fabrication, mechanistic understanding, device stability, and system-level integration. This review aims to provide a mechanistic perspective for developing low-power, biomimetic, and scalable ionic neuromorphic systems.

Key words: Sub-nanometer pore, Ion transport, Fluidic memristor, Synaptic plasticity, Neuromorphic computing

SHI Deli, DUAN Libing. Ion Transport Under Sub-nanometer Confinement for Fluidic Memristors and Neuromorphic Computing[J]. Chemical Research in Chinese Universities, 2026, 42(5): 1426-1443.

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