nevronenes

Nevronenes are a hypothetical class of organic nanomaterials proposed for neuromorphic computing and bio-inspired sensing. The term blends neuron with the chemical suffix ene, reflecting aims to emulate neural signal processing with molecular-scale components. In proposed schemes, nevronenes consist of conjugated, polycyclic cores that can be functionalized with variable side chains to tune electronic and optical properties. The cores are imagined to assemble into two-dimensional lattices or networked nanostructures that support controllable charge transport and nonlinear response, features valuable for neuromorphic circuits.

Structure and synthesis. Synthesis typically involves modular condensation of precursors through cycloaddition or aryl-aryl coupling; researchers note that precise control over size, orientation, and interconnectivity remains challenging.

Properties. Nevronenes exhibit tunable band gaps, strong fluorescence, good thermal and chemical stability, and solution processability.

Applications. They are envisioned for neuromorphic computing, adaptive sensing, programmable memory, and biointerfaces.

Status. As of 2024, nevronenes remain speculative; a small number of model-system demonstrations have appeared, but there is no consensus on definitions or reproducible fabrication.

See also. Neural-inspired materials, covalent organic frameworks, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.