Stable Synapse‐Like Memory Switching in N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Monolayers

Angewandte Chemie International Edition 2026 Open access

Read full text
Authors: Ankita Das, Alessandro Borrini, Christian Gutheil, Björn Braunschweig, Billura Shakhayeva, Georgios Katsoukis, Ab F. Nieuwenhuis, Raka Ahmed, Susanne Leitherer, Gemma C. Solomon, Frank Glorius, Christian A. Nijhuis
DOI: 10.1002/anie.1823213
Cited by: 1
References: 55

Abstract

ABSTRACT We report a robust redox‐active N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) monolayer that exhibits synapse‐like behavior driven by proton‐coupled electron transfer (PCET). Our quinone‐functionalized NHC (Rex–NHC) forms densely packed, upright self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) on Au, confirmed by cyclic voltammetry, x‐ ray photoelectron spectroscopy, sum‐frequency generation spectroscopy, and infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy. Molecular junctions built as Au–Rex–NHC//Ga 2 O 3 /EGaIn operate over ± 2 V and can withstand electric fields up to 3.3 GV/m. Bias‐induced PCET toggles between quinone (off) and hydroquinone (on) states, yielding reversible hysteresis with on/off ratios up to 1.9 × 10 2 . The devices exhibit spike‐timing and spike‐rate‐dependent plasticity, demonstrating for the first time molecular‐level neuromorphic behavior using NHCs as anchoring groups.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Molecular Junctions and Nanostructures Supramolecular Chemistry and Complexes N-Heterocyclic Carbenes in Organic and Inorganic Chemistry

Publication details

Journal / source
Angewandte Chemie International Edition
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
65
Issue
25
Pages
e1823213–e1823213
Publication date
17 April 2026
Language
EN