Molecular HDD logic for encrypted massive data storage.

Guo, Bingjie; Chen, Xinhui; Chen, An; Wang, Jinxin; Xue, Wuhong; Wang, Tao; Wu, Zhixin; Zhong, Xiaolong et al. · Nat Commun · 2025

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Organic memories, with small dimension, fast speed and long retention features, are considered as promising candidates for massive data archiving. In order to satisfy the requirements for ultra-low power and high-security information storage, we design a conceptual molecular hard-disk (HDD) logic scheme that is capable to execute in-situ encryption of massive data in pW/bit power-consumption range. Beneficial from the coupled mechanism of counter-balanced redox reaction and local ion drifting, the basic HDD unit consisting of ~200 self-assembled Ru<sup>X</sup>LPH molecules in a monolayer (SAM) configuration undergoes unique conductance modulation with continuous, symmetric and low-power switching characteristics. 96-state memory performance, which allows 6-bit data storage and single-unit one-step XOR operation, is realized in the Ru<sup>X</sup>LPH SAM sample. Through single-unit XOR manipulation of the pixel information, in-situ bitwise encryption of the Mogao Grottoes mural images stored in the molecular HDD is demonstrated.