Potential and challenges of computing with molecular materials

We are at an inflection point in computing where traditional technologies are incapable of keeping up with the demands of exploding data collection and artificial intelligence. This challenge demands a leap to a new platform as transformative as the digital silicon revolution. Over the past 30 years molecular materials for computing have generated great excitement but continually fallen short of performance and reliability requirements. However, recent reports indicate that those historical limitations may have been resolved. Here we assess the current state of computing with molecular-based materials, especially using transition metal complexes of redox active ligands, in the context of neuromorphic computing. We describe two complementary research paths necessary to determine whether molecular materials can be the basis of a new computing technology: continued exploration of the molecular electronic properties that enable computation and, equally important, the process development for on-chip integration of molecular materials. Molecular materials for computing progress intensively but the performance and reliability still lag behind. Here the authors assess the current state of computing with molecular-based materials and describe two issues as the basis of a new computing technology: continued exploration of molecular electronic properties and process development for on-chip integration.