Fully printed IGZO memristor arrays with robust threshold switching characteristics for artificial nociceptors

The large-scale fabrication and patterning of artificial perceptual systems are vital for the development of bionic systems. Traditional patterning processes are often constrained by the use of mask versions, which are not only expensive but also challenging to produce on a large scale. Inkjet printing technology with maskless patterning capability is well suited for current demands for large-scale preparation and patterning. However, the application of printing techniques is typically confined to the production of simple devices or the preparation of patterned active layers within more complex devices. In this study, we successfully fabricated fully inkjet-printed indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) memristor arrays to mimic artificial nociceptor (pain receptors). By integrating a layer of silver into the all metal-oxide indium tin oxide (ITO)/IGZO/ITO memristor, we achieved stable threshold switching characteristics, a large current switching ratio of 105, excellent switching durability of 104cycles scans, and excellent spatial uniformity. We investigated the Ag-based conductive filament conduction mode and mimic LIF characteristics (leaky, integrate and fire), demonstrating the potential of the memristor as an artificial neuron. Lastly, we successfully implemented artificial nociceptor, including “threshold fire”, “relaxation”, “non-adaptation”, and “sensitization”, leveraging the stable threshold switching properties of the device. Our work demonstrates the significant potential of inkjet printing technology in the realization of bionic systems.