Nanoscale Ni/Mo/MoO3/Ni memristor for synaptic applications

For the first time, a physics‐based modelling of a nanoscale Ni/Mo/MoO3/Ni memristor is presented in this letter by inserting a ‘Mo:Capping layer’ between the top electrode (Ni) and the insulating layer (MoO3). The proposed memristor has stable hysteresis I–V characteristics as well as a significant reduction in ‘Forming voltage’ (VFORM) to 0.75 V. The simulated resistive switching responses using the COMSOL Multiphysics package demonstrate consistently low values of coefficient of variability (CV) with 14.31% and 14.85% for the SET and RESET modules, respectively, during cycle‐to‐cycle variations along with a low compliance current (ICC) of 193 µA. In addition to observing synaptic plasticity behaviour, it also examines how ramp‐rates impact ‘Potentiation’ and ‘Depression’ as memristor conductance (G) is closely related to synaptic weights. Memristors are versatile electronic components that emulate brain synapses by modulating conductance for computation and data storage, with the ability to retain state without power, offering potential for use in synaptic applications. The proposed Ni/Mo/MoO3/Ni memristor shows enhanced stability with low operation voltages, mimicking biological synaptic behaviour, ideal for synaptic applications.