Flexible Neuromorphic Memristors: From Mechanisms to Applications

The von Neumann architecture, due to the physical separation between memory and processor, has limited the development of data-intensive applications. Neuromorphic computing technologies inspired by the brain’s parallel and event-driven operation mechanisms have enabled low-power in-memory computing. Memristors with tunable conductance can emulate biological synapses, while flexible memristors further offer mechanical flexibility, making them suitable for wearable electronics and intelligent sensing systems. This review systematically summarizes the switching mechanisms of flexible neuromorphic memristors, including conductive filaments, interface effects, ferroelectricity, phase change, and multiple synergistic mechanisms. It categorically discusses natural and bio-derived materials, synthetic organic/polymer materials, and inorganic functional materials, and introduces strategies for enhancing flexibility. The article also covers device architectures such as sandwich structures, crossbar arrays, and fiber-based textile structures, along with low-temperature fabrication techniques. Finally, it reviews recent advances in neuromorphic computing, in-memory computing, biomimetic sensing, and biomedical wearable systems. Challenges related to mechanical stability and device uniformity are analyzed, and future directions toward self-healing materials and integrated sensing-storage-computing systems are outlined. This comprehensive review bridges the gap between material innovation and system-level integration in flexible neuromorphic memristors, providing a valuable roadmap for accelerating the development of next-generation wearable artificial intelligence, edge computing, and bio-integrated electronic technologies.