Iontronics:
Building block of CognitiveTechnology !
It is an emerging interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary domain that involves systems where ions (not just electrons) are the primary information or energy carriers It is basically ions instead of electronic in electronic systems This discipline mimics biological systems (like neurons, synapses, and muscles), which rely on ionic movement for signal transmission and function
Iontronics are the building blocks for Cognitive Technology (CT) It represents the next big revolution in human centric computing It is not merely about systems that compute but also learn, perceive, analyze, and respond to stimuli This is inspired from the biological systems like nervous system Artificial Intelligence, Machine learning, Robotics are subsets within the broader technology term ‘Cognitive Technology’. Iontronics is the foundation for the hardware development of CT At the center of this emerging technologies lies ‘Iontronics’ that interfaces Artificial Intelligence and biology Iontronics can be defined as the science and engineering of devices that use ion as the primary charge carrier It is a rapidly evolving discipline that is laying the foundation for futuristic artificial system mimicking brain
WhyIontronics?
The conventional electronics is based on the movement of electrons and holes (absence of electrons) through rigid solid state inorganic materials like semiconductors There are two classes of materials generally required to design and develop integrated circuits, components, and devices
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They are indirect band-gap materials like Silicon (Microprocessors, Micro-controllers etc) and Germanium (Didoes, Transistors and Detectors), direct band-gap materials like Aluminum Gallium Arsenide, Gallium Nitride (used for fabrication of light emitting devices) The materials have transformed life of human beings tremendously in last 100 years The major limitation of such material-based devices has been the difficulty to interface directly with biological systems or emulating biological systems using these devices like human brain like behavior The cognition within the brain of a living organism operates through the transport of ions This is central to the nervous systems which is soft ,hydrated and extremely dynamic environment Iontronics overcomes this lacuna by mimicking the organic aspects of ionic conductivity and its mechanisms thereby enabling biologically (organically) compatible platform for building truly cognitive machines
Mitochondria based Bio-Transistor
Area
Bioelectronics
Neuromorphic Devices
Flexible Sensors
Energy Storage
Soft Robotics
Bionic Devices
Implantable Devices
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Role
of Iontronics
Interfacing electronics with biological tissues (e.g.,brain,skin)
Ionic devices mimic neuronal behavior like synaptic plasticity
Soft, wearable electronics using ion-based sensing
Fundamental to batteries, supercapacitors, fuel cells
Enables actuation through ion flow and ionic swelling mechanisms
Using Cell organelles as electronic devices
Organ interfaces using implants
Table: Role of Iontronicss
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WhatisIontronics?
Iontronics enables real-time sensing, memory, and neuromorphic computing by closely replicating the behavior of neurons and synapses The main features of Iontronics is listed in the table below Iontronics uses ions as charge carriers instead of electrons, allowing it to naturally mimic biological signal transmission found in neurons It operates at low voltages (<1V) and employs soft, flexible, and biocompatible materials like hydrogels and ion gels, making it ideal for integration with living tissue By combining sensing, processing, and actuation in a single platform and supporting neuromorphic behaviors like synaptic plasticity, Iontronics serves as a foundational technology for building brain-like cognitive systems.. Iontronic devices operate at low voltages, typically below 1V, which closely aligns with the electrical signals used in biological systems like neurons This low-voltage operation not only ensures energy efficiency but also makes iontronics inherently safe and compatible for direct interfacing with living tissues
Feature
Ionic
Charge Transport
Electrolyte-Based Devices
Interface-Centric
Low Voltage Operation
Descritpion
Uses mobile ions (Na⁺ , K⁺ , H⁺ , Li⁺ , Ca, Cl-etc.) in solids, liquids, or gels
Materials conduct ions through electrochemical gradients
Ionic signals modulate material properties at interfaces, like ion-gated transistors (neuromodulation, bionic devices)
Often operates under biological voltage levels (e.g., <1 V), ideal for bio-integration
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Table: Core of Iontronicss
Artificial Synapse using Organic Polymer
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IontronicsDevices
Iontronics can indeed be considered one of the building blocks of Cognitive Technology, especially when it is considered as a technology that emulates, interfaces with, or extends the human brain and nervous system Cognitive Technology refers to systems that mimic, interface with, or augment human cognition, including perception, learning, memory, and decision-making The foundational technologies in this domain must closely align with how biological cognition operates Some of the important iontronic devices are briefly discussed:
IonicsTransistors
These are transistors similar to conventional devices used in electronics but are gated through ionThe most common emerging device is ion-gel transistors It is a semiconductor device that can amplify or switch ionic currents They are commonly used in bio-interfaces and soft electronics
Electrochemical Random Access Memory (ECRAM)
It is ionic equivalent of analog RAM wherein ion intercalation changes resistance It stores data through electrochemical processes It is to be used in AI hardware as acceleratorsIt has low energy consumption and high endurance
ProtonicDevices
These devices mimic proton transport in biological membranes They operate at very low voltage at neural interfaces These devices enable highly efficient, low-voltage, and bio-compatible operation, making them ideal for applications in neuromorphic computing and bio-interfaces.
OrganicElectrochemicalTransistors(OECT)
These are transistors fabricated using polymers like Poly 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (PEDOT) and Polystrene Sulfonate (PSS) They combine electronic and ionic conductivity They are compatible with biological tissues for implants and surface applications
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Ionics Transistor
Electrochemical Random Access Memory
Protonic Device
Iontronic Devices and Components
Device Name
Organic Electrochemical Transistor
Electrochemical Random-Access Memory
Ionic Field-Effect Transistor
Protonic Field-Effect Transistor
Descritpion
Transistor that modulates ionic/electronic conductivity in organic materials.
Ion-based memory device capable of analog resistive switching
Transistor where gate modulation is controlled by ionic movement
A variant of IFET using protons as charge carriers
Ionic Diode Allows unidirectional ionic current flow; used in bio-sensing.
Ion Gel Based Capacitor
A flexible, soft capacitor using ion gels as dielectric media
Ionic Synaptic Transistor Mimics synaptic plasticity with ionic transport and gating
Neurofluidic Ionic Transistor
Protonic Synapse
Iontronic Logic Gate
Controls ionic transport in nanofluidic channels for precise logic or sensing
A synaptic emulator using protons for signal modulation and memory.
Logic elements using ions instead of electrons for computation.
BuildingBlockofCognitiveTechnology
Iontronics mimic biological cognition system. the iontronic devices are the building blocks of complex cognitive hardware
EnablingRealisticCognitiveHardware
Iontronic is the basis for neuromorphic computing which is the foundation for cognitive technology Artificial neurons and synaptic systems are built from iontronic devices These building blocks can replicate Spike Time Dependent Plasticity (STDP) similar to the biological neurons Protonic devices like protonic transistors and electrochemical memory devices enable temporal and spatial characteristics of biological learning Electronic devices can only emulate the brain functionality indirectly while iontronic devices can replicate the functionality directly
BrainMachineInterfaceandCompatibility
There is requirement for a seamless integration of Brain Machine Interfaces (BMI), neuroprosthetics, cyborg systems with biological tissues Since conventional electronics is not completely bio compatible, iontronic devices offer the flexibility These devices are fabricated using biological equivalent hydrogels, organic electrolytes, and conducting polymers Such materials are soft, flexible and biologically compatible Iontronic systems can easily read, stimulate, write into nervous system without damaging the biological tissues unlike the rigid silicon based devices Conventional electronic devices often require conversion between electronic and ionic signals this is completely overcome in iontronic devices as they can operate natively in ionic environment
CognitiveFeedbackSystem
Iontronic systems can easily integrate into biological entities This enables a real time sensing and actuating system thereby establishing cognitive feedback loops Such a techniques provides platform for design and development of emotion sensitive wearables, selflearning implants, smart tissues and artificial skin These systems have to ability to change their behavior autonomously mimicking the human perception cycle
CognitiveMicroarchitecture
Iontronics provides distributed intelligence which is similar to the biological neural networks The iontronic devices allows to build a cognitive system similar to natural system to perform complex cognitive functions like learning and decision making through fundamental components that directly emulates biological processes Such devices include ionic transistor, protonic transistors, artificial neuron and synaptic interfaces These devices and components have the ability to self-organize and adapt in real time thereby enabling distributed brain like neural networks that evolve intrinsic cognitive abilities without the need for top down rigid programming approach which is the case with respect to electronic systems
Iontronic Devices for Cognitive Architecture
These devices leads to a bottom-up architecture of cognition in the same way biological brains evolved over time This would enable the design and development of artificial system that function similar to brain in the near future
Cognitive Function and Iontronics
Iontronic Components
Sensing
Learning & Memory
Processing
Interface
Actuation
Domain
Healthcare
Wearables
Materials for Iontronics
Types
Examples
Cognitive Function
Cognitive Function
Ion-Sensitive Sensors mimic skin and organs
Ionic-Memristors and ECRAM
Bio-realistic synaptic behaviour
Biocompatible signal translation with tissues
Smart muscle like ionic actuator
Electrolytes
Polymers
Biocompatible systems
Ion-gels, ionic liquids, hydrogels
PEDOT,PSS,Nafion, Polyaniline
Silk protein, Collagen, agarose,cellulose
Iontronics Applications
Application
Smart bandages, Neural Sensors, Implantable sensor, artificial organs, Neural implants, Knee Implants, Bionic Limbs, Artificial Vision
Sweat Sensors, Communication Devices, Physical Monitoring Systems, Protective Skins, Emotion Sensing Fabric
AI Iontronic Synapses, Neuron Chips, Neuromorphic Circuits
Energy Bionic batteries, Ionic capacitors, Electrochemical Actuators
Biorobotics Soft robotics, Bio-hybrid machines, Interfaced exoskeletons
Other BMI, Bio-Computing Platforms, Bio-implantable computers,bio-hybrid devices
Iontronics is not merely a complementary technology to electronics but a fundamentally new substrate for building cognition at the intersection of biology and technology As cognitive systems evolve to include emotional intelligence, adaptation, and embodiment, iontronics provides the material and operational basis for truly intelligent machines that can live and learn within biological environments It is a technology not just of the future, but of the future of life itself
References
Wu, Z, & Zhao, Z (2024) Heterogating gel iontronics: A revolution in biointerfaces and ion signal transmission Gels, 10(9), 594 https://doiorg/103390/gels10090594MDPI
Kamsma, T M, Rossing, E A, Spitoni, C, & van Roij, R (2024)
Advanced iontronic spiking modes with multiscale diffusive dynamics in a fluidic circuit arXiv preprint arXiv:240114921 https://arxivorg/abs/240114921arXiv+1arXiv+1
Park J Lim S & Sun J (2022) Materials development in stretchable iontronics Soft Matter, 18(39), 6487–6510
https://doiorg/101039/D2SM00733ARSC Publishing
Arbring Sjöström T Berggren M Gabrielsson E O Janson P Poxson, D J, Seitanidou, M, & Simon, D T (2018) Iontronics: A decade of iontronic delivery devices Advanced Materials Technologies, 3(5), 1870018 https://doiorg/101002/admt201870018Wiley Online Library
Han, S H, Oh, M A, & Chung, T D (2022) Iontronics: Aqueous ionbased engineering for bioinspired functionalities and applications Chemical Physics Reviews, 3(3), 031302 https://doiorg/101063/50089822American Chemical Society Publications+2AIP Publishing+2American Chemical Society Publications+2
Kamsma T M Boon W Q Spitoni C & van Roij R (2023) Unveiling the capabilities of bipolar conical channels in neuromorphic iontronics arXiv preprint arXiv:230304277 https://arxivorg/abs/230304277arXiv+1arXiv+1
Tang, P, & Yan, X (2024) Supercapacitor-based ionic computing devices: A vision for future fluidic iontronics APL Energy, 2(4), 040401 https://doiorg/101063/50251914AIP Publishing
Fraiman, N E, Sabbagh, B, Yossifon, G, & Fish, A (2024) Toward an ion-based large-scale integrated circuit: Circuit level design simulation and integration of iontronic components arXiv preprint arXiv:241207784 https://arxivorg/abs/241207784arXiv+1American Chemical Society Publications+1
Prete, D, Demontis, V, Zannier, V, Sorba, L, Beltram, F, & Rossella, F (2024) Engineering nanowire quantum dots with iontronics arXiv preprint arXiv:240616363 https://arxivorg/abs/240616363arXiv
Ren, W, Jing, H, Ding, S, Dan, J, Xu, Z, Guo, T, Wei, H, Liu, Y, & Liu, Y (2020) Hydrogel-based iontronics on a polydimethylsiloxane microchip ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 12(51), 57427–57435 https://doiorg/101021/acsami0c19892American Chemical Society Publications+1American Chemical Society Publications+1
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