Synaptic behavior in analog memristors based on green-synthesized ZnO nanoparticles

Abstract

In this work, spherical-like ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized via avocado seed extract and calcined at 400 °C, which exhibited a hexagonal wurtzite structure with an average size of around 42 nm. The chemical states, organic residuals, and defects were confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The ZnO NPs-based memristors exhibited remarkably stable analog switching, over 300 continuous cycles, and a wide operating window of 400. Moreover, the asymmetry in the current observed was attributed to the self-rectifying nature of this device, comprising one analog memristor and one Schottky diode (1D–1R). By controlling the peak voltage to 4 V and applying 50 bias pulses, it was possible to effectively imitate the key features of synaptic behavior, including potentiation and depression, through current modulation.