journal article·2026-07

Self‐Powered Neuromorphic Systems Based on Tribotronics Synaptic Devices

Kumar Shrestha, Mohammad Karbalaei Akbari, Alireza Pourvahabi Anbari, Puran Pandey, Serge Zhuiykov

Small· Volume 22· Issue 42
Publisher page

Abstract

ABSTRACT Artificial synaptic devices based on field‐effect transistors (FETs) are essential building blocks for neuromorphic computing systems that emulate the signal processing and learning capabilities of biological neural networks. However, most FET‐based synaptic devices depend on external power sources, which increases energy consumption and limits their applications in self‐powered systems. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have recently emerged as promising candidates for self‐powered neuromorphic systems that simultaneously harvest ambient mechanical energy and modulate synaptic signals, thereby enabling energy‐efficient neuromorphic operation. This review summarizes recent advances in TENG‐driven three‐terminal artificial synaptic devices, focusing on their device architectures, operating principles, and synaptic functionalities. It discusses the unique electrical characteristics of TENG outputs, including high internal impedance and pulsed voltage signals, and their correlation with synaptic behaviors such as excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic currents, nonvolatile weight retention, and frequency‐ and time‐dependent plasticity. In addition, it explores the emerging applications of these devices in tactile sensing, human–machine interaction, auditory perception, and multimodal neuromorphic systems. Finally, the review highlights the current challenges, including signal stability, impedance matching, multisensory integration, and power consumption, and discusses the potential strategies to address these limitations, along with the future perspectives to advance the development of next‐generation self‐powered neuromorphic computing systems.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials · Advanced Memory and Neural Computing · Advanced Materials and Mechanics

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Center for Green Chemistry & Environmental Biotechnology Ghent University Global Campus Incheon Republic of Korea

Department of Solid‐State Sciences Faculty of Science Ghent University Ghent Belgium

Department of Chemistry Faculty of Science Ghent University Ghent Belgium

Department of Physics Dongguk University Seoul Republic of Korea

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