Reversible logic with a nanofluidic memristor

A multipore membrane with current-rectifying nanofluidic diodes exhibits memristive properties based on the surface-charge-regulated ionic transport. The neuromorphiclike potentiation of the conductance by voltage pulses provides different functionalities that can be modulated not only by the amplitude and frequency of the driving oscillatory signal but also by the ionic concentration and pH values of the external solutions. This fact allows one to implement a broad range of logical functions by the external reconfiguration of the nanofluidic diodes. As a proof of concept, we show Boolean (and, nand, and xor) and reversible (feynman) logical functions obtained by controlling chemical (pH and ionic concentration) and electrical (voltage and current) signals in an electrochemical cell. The system displays some reminiscences to channel biophysics signaling in cell membranes and provides a suitable logical environment for sensing and information processing in iontronics hybrid devices. Model simulations that explain the experimental data and explore future applications are also included.