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Updated: Jul 4, 2025

Fast Micro-iontophoresis of Glutamate and GABA: A Useful Tool to Investigate Synaptic Integration
Published on: July 31, 2013
Electrochemical Analysis of Ion Effects on Electrolyte-Gated Synaptic Transistor Characteristics
Haeyeon Lee1, Jinil Cho2, Minho Jin2
1Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Institute of Chemical Processes, Seoul National University, Gwanak-ro 1, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Electrolyte-gated transistors (EGTs) are promising candidates as artificial synapses owing to their precise conductance controllability, quick response times, and especially their low operating voltages resulting from ion-assisted signal transmission. However, it is still vague how ion-related physiochemical elements and working mechanisms impact synaptic performance. Here, to address the unclear correlations, we suggest a methodical approach based on electrochemical analysis using poly(ethylene oxide) EGTs with three alkali ions: Li+, Na+, and K+. Cyclic voltammetry is employed to identify the kind of electrochemical reactions taking place at the channel/electrolyte interface, which determines the nonvolatile memory functionality of the EGTs. Additionally, using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and qualitative analysis of electrolytes, we confirm that the intrinsic properties of electrolytes (such as crystallinity, solubility, and ion conductivity) and ion dynamics ultimately define the linearity/symmetricity of conductance modulation. Through simple but systematic electrochemical analysis, these results offer useful insights for the selection of components for high-performing artificial synapses.
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