Exploring Bioinspired Information Pathways: Bridging The Gap Between Science and Technology with The Intercalation of Alkaline-Ions in 3D-Aeromaterial of MoS2

The human brain works with an exceptionally low power consumption but high information output. Understanding the intricate information pathways found in nature, particularly in the human brain, has emerged as a pivotal source of inspiration for revolutionary technological advancements. This exploration into bioinspired information pathways has led to the development of artificial neurons, a key element in unraveling the mysteries of neural processes. This exploration extends its reach to various domains, including energy efficiency, information storage, and memristive systems, where the integration of bioinspired concepts promises transformative breakthroughs.<br/>As the brain functions with a decentralized energy supply, there are some striking similarities to alkaline batteries as both function with a liquid electrolyte based electrochemical system and are able to store energy with different kinds of charge transport carriers. In order to mimic spatial arrangement of a neuron inside the brain, a 3D network with a spatial and highly scalable structure, inspired by the intricate architecture of the brain, is designed in this study.<br/>Moreover, to mimic the function of the brain, researchers have turned to two-dimensional materials to display the working function of ion channels, an integral aspect of bioinspired information pathways. The application of (non)-equilibrium dynamics allows these materials to serve dual roles. They function not only as energy-efficient batteries but also as information storage devices, thus bridging the gap between energy and data storage.<br/>Among the intriguing materials of bioinspired information pathways are Transition Metal Dichalcogenides (TMDs), such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂). As part of the broader bioinspired research, TMD materials enable not only efficient energy storage but also serve as a cornerstone for developing innovative information processing technologies. TMDs like MoS₂, with their atomically thin structure and tunable bandgap, play a pivotal role in the quest to mimic the remarkable capabilities of the human brain.<br/>In this contribution an aero-material consisting of the exfoliated 2D-TMD MoS₂ and exfoliated graphene (EG) is used as the functional material. For the realization of the battery-like electrodes, the 3D-network is infiltrated with a dispersion of both, exfoliated MoS₂and EG, before etching ZnO away, to have a light, mechanically stable and 3D shaped TMD.<br/>In a quest to advance traditional lithium-ion batteries, we are exploring sodium (Na) as well as potassium (K) as a viable alternative as the intercalated species to expand the horizons of layered materials. This shift opens new possibilities for energy storage technologies and fosters sustainability in energy solutions.<br/>For testing equilibrium dynamics with both, Li and Na, the battery-like aero material is incorporated as the anode material with metallic Li as the cathode. The electrolyte is varied with different conducting salts containing Na⁺/K⁺-ions. The different ion-radii lead to an expansion of the interlayer spacing and hence to higher capacities. For testing non-equilibrium conditions, a tuning of the intercalation pathway of the alkaline ions and hence a tuning of the resistivity of certain pathways can be reached, by contacting several points of the 3D structure and applying different signals. With this measurement, a training of the network can be achieved.<br/>Funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) –Project-ID 434434223 –SFB 1461