Tunable effective resistance and capacitance of Ni ion-complex in Ni-DNA

Metal-ion chains are nanowires with potential applications in nano-electronics and molecular computing. However, it is difficult to create a frame-free metal-ion chain. DNA is a natural nanowire, which can chelate metal ions, such as nickel ions, with its own base pairs. In this study, we discuss the physical properties of a two-micrometer long Ni-DNA. We show that by applying an appropriate external bias the resistance and capacitance of Ni-DNA can be changed and exhibites both memristor and memcapacitor effects. Simulations of these Ni-DNA devices indicates that the resistance and capacitance changes are the result of voltage-driven changes to the nickel ion redox state. We conclude that Ni-DNA is a good candidate for nano-electronics and molecular computing applications [1].
[1] H.L. Chu, at al. NPG Asia Materials 9, e430 (2017).