Robust Devices Comprising Self-Assembled Bilayers

In this talk, I will discuss our work on self-assembled ensembles of (bio)molecules that are sufficiently robust to function in arrays capable of memristor-like function, diode logic and binary information storage. When sandwiched between electrodes, these ensembles mitigate charge-transport primarily via non-resonant tunneling, presenting the opportunity to control the flow of charge across interfaces at the quantum level, through self-assembly and synthetic modification. We are developing a new type of self-assembled monolayer that enables the creation of robust molecular ensemble junctions that can be printed, integrated into devices and that are bench-stable for weeks. Using this approach to program the self-assembly of protein complexes that sustain coherent tunneling over distances of 10 nm, we have been able to create simple diode logic and memristor-like devices that read out stochastic information encoded in trains of droplets in microfluidic channels. By optimizing the self-assembly of photo-switches, we have demonstrated the ability to read, write, erase and rewrite binary-encoded. While rudimentary, these devices demonstrate the utility of molecular self-assembly in the fabrication of molecular-electronic circuits using soft materials.