Universal Core–Shell Nanowire Memristor Platform with Quasi-2D Filament Confinement for Scalable Neuromorphic Applications

Memristors are central to the advancement of nano-electronic and neuromorphic systems due to their fast-switching speed, low power consumption, and compatibility with CMOS technology. However, the stochastic formation of conductive filaments (CFs) in filament-based memristors remains a major obstacle, leading to significant variability in switching performance. Here, a novel memristor architecture that combines spatial confinement precision with fabrication simplicity is proposed; a core–shell silver nanowire structure, consisting of a highly conductive Ag core wrapped in a polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) shell. This 1D nanowire serves both as the active electrode and as a geometric scaffold that constrains CF growth within a quasi-2D plane. The resulting device demonstrates excellent electrical performance, including a low threshold voltage (0.22 V), high switching uniformity (coefficient of variation <15%), and ultra-low power consumption (≈400 pW). Molecular dynamics simulations reveal the spontaneous rupture behavior of CF and establish a correlation between filament dimensions and their temporal stability. Furthermore, the system emulates key nociceptor-like functionalities—such as threshold triggering, relaxation recovery, and sensitization—highlighting its neuromorphic potential. This work establishes a versatile structural platform for precise nanoscale CF control using a structurally simple core–shell nanowire architecture, offering broad applicability across device formats for energy-efficient, neuromorphic-compatible memristive electronics.