Nonvolatile resistive switching and synaptic characteristics of lead-free all-inorganic perovskite-based flexible memristive devices for neuromorphic systems

Abstract

Recently, several types of lead halide perovskites have been actively researched for resistive switching (RS) memory or artificial synaptic devices due to their current–voltage hysteresis along with the feasibility of fabrication, low-temperature processability and superior charge mobility. However, the toxicity and environmental pollution potential of lead halide perovskites severely restrict their large-scale commercial prospects. In the present work, the environmentally friendly and uniform CsSnCl₃ perovskite films are introduced to act as an active layer in the flexible memristors. Ag/CsSnCl₃/ITO devices demonstrate bipolar RS with excellent electrical properties such as forming free characteristics, good uniformity, low operating voltages, a high ON/OFF ratio (10²) and a long retention time (>10⁴ s). The RS mechanism has been well explained in the outline of electric field-induced formation and rupture of Ag filaments in the CsSnCl₃ layer. The metallic nature of the conducting filament has been further confirmed by temperature-dependent variation of low and high resistance states. Additionally, various pulse measurements have been carried out to mimic some of the basic synaptic functions including postsynaptic current, paired-pulse facilitation, long-term potentiation and long-term depression under normal as well as bending conditions. Our work provides the opportunity for exploring artificial synapses based on lead-free halide perovskites for the development of next-generation flexible electronics.