Surface spinodal demixing of DIO:ITIC leads to poor electron mobility, while the CN:Y6 blend undergoes a binodal demixing process which is similar to that occurs in the bulk liquid layer, contributing to uniform vertical crystallinity distribution.

Summary schematic of this review regarding transistor-based synapses including materials, device structures, functional simulation and system application.

The development of high-performance power electronics is constrained by the lack of polymer dielectrics capable of operating under extreme conditions. Conventional dielectrics face significant challenges at high temperatures and electric fields due to increased leakage currents and dielectric loss. In this work, we introduce zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-11) as a filler for polyetherimide (PEI), showcasing its dual functionality in suppressing both ionic and electronic conduction. The strong electrostatic interactions between ZIF-11 and the PEI matrix reduce free volume, inhibiting ionic species' mobility, while the high electron affinity of ZIF-11 introduces multiple traps for electronic charge carriers, significantly lowering electronic conduction. Leveraging these synergistic effects, the composite achieves an order-of-magnitude reduction in leakage current with ≤1 wt% ZIF-11. It maintains >80% efficiency at 625 MV m⁻¹ and 150 °C, achieving an energy density of 5.44 J cm⁻³—a 1.38-fold improvement over unfilled PEI and surpassing current dielectric polymers and polymer nanocomposites. This scalable strategy demonstrates the transformative potential of engineering MOF-based fillers in designing advanced polymer dielectrics for next-generation power electronics.

Photonics neuromorphic computing shows great prospects due to the advantages of low latency, low power consumption and high bandwidth. Transistors with asymmetric electrode structures are receiving increasing attention due to their low power consumption, high optical response, and simple preparation technology. However, intelligent optical synapses constructed by asymmetric electrodes are still lacking systematic research and mechanism analysis. Herein, we present an asymmetric electrode structure of the light-stimulated synaptic transistor (As-LSST) with a bulk heterojunction as the semiconductor layer. The As-LSST exhibits superior electrical properties, photosensitivity and multiple biological synaptic functions, including excitatory postsynaptic currents, paired-pulse facilitation, and long-term memory. Benefitting from the asymmetric electrode configuration, the devices can operate under a very low drain voltage of 1 × 10⁻⁷ V, and achieve an ultra-low energy consumption of 2.14 × 10⁻¹⁸ J per light stimulus event. Subsequently, As-LSST implemented the optical logic function and associative learning. Utilizing As-LSST, an artificial neural network (ANN) with ultra-high recognition rate (over 97.5%) of handwritten numbers was constructed. This work presents an easily-accessible concept for future neuromorphic computing and intelligent electronic devices.

Oil impregnated paper in power transformers deteriorates in long-term operation, which leads to the variations of its dielectric characteristics. This paper focuses on investigating the generation mechanism of the dielectric processes in oil impregnated paper and their variations with thermal aging. Firstly, a set of thermally stimulated current tests with bias-voltages were conducted in distinguishing the dielectric processes and revealing their generation mechanism. Secondly, the standard thermally stimulated current spectrum and the M″ spectrum of 0–1000 h aged samples were joint analyzed in investigating the variations of dielectric processes in thermal aging process. Finally, additional experiments of moisture, acidity and microscopic observation were conducted in explaining these variations. It is concluded that three dielectric processes can be found in oil impregnated paper, i.e. the dipole polarization, the interfacial polarization and the electric conduction. These processes are all strengthened with thermal aging. The generation of molecules with strong polarity, the structural changes in insulating paper, and the generation of hydrogen ions are responsible for the strengthening of these processes sequentially. This investigation on distinguishing dielectric processes and obtaining their mechanism can promote further understanding on oil impregnated paper and provide information for insulation design in power transformers.