Nature Communications (Sep 2024)

Artificial olfactory memory system based on conductive metal-organic frameworks

  • Xiaomeng Yin,
  • Hao Zhang,
  • Xuezhi Qiao,
  • Xinyuan Zhou,
  • Zhenjie Xue,
  • Xiangyu Chen,
  • Haochen Ye,
  • Cancan Li,
  • Zhe Tang,
  • Kailin Zhang,
  • Tie Wang

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-52567-0
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15, no. 1
pp. 1 – 12

Abstract

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Abstract The olfactory system can generate unique sensory memories of various odorous molecules, guiding emotional and cognitive decisions. However, most existing electronic noses remain constrained to momentary concentration, failing to trigger specific memories for different smells. Here, we report an artificial olfactory memory system utilizing conductive metal-organic frameworks (Ce-HHTP) that integrates sensing and memory and exhibits short- and long-term memory responses to alcohols and aldehydes. Experiments and theoretical calculations show that distinct memories are derived from the specific combinations of Ce-HHTP with O atoms in different guest. An unmanned aircraft equipped with this system realized the sensory memories in established areas. Moreover, the fusion of portable detection boxes and wearable flexible electrodes demonstrated the immense potential in off-site pollution monitoring and health management. This work represents an artificial olfactory memory system with two specific sensory memories under simultaneous conditions, laying the foundation for bionic design with qualities of human olfactory memory.