# Proton-Transfer Ferroelectrics with Exceptional Switching Endurance

Source: [Proton-Transfer Ferroelectrics with Exceptional Switching Endurance](<https://www.sota2.com/research/paper/69c4bd740636e5bf4afc74fc>)

Collection index: [llms.txt](<https://www.sota2.com/research/llms.txt>)

Data updated: 2026-04-01T05:00:12.613Z

Authors: Bibek Tiwari, Yuanyuan Ni, Xiaoshan Xu

Published: 2026-03-24T22:53:56.000Z

## Abstract

Reliable organic ferroelectrics for memory applications require extreme endurance under repeated electrical switching. Here we demonstrate exceptional fatigue resistance in highly crystalline 2-methylbenzimidazole (MBI) films grown by low-temperature deposition followed by restrained crystallization (LDRC) in a simple Pt/MBI/Pt capacitor geometry. Switching kinetics analyzed using the Kolmogorov-Avrami-Ishibashi (KAI) model reveal characteristic millisecond switching times and quasi-one-dimensional domain growth associated with proton transfer along hydrogen-bond chains. Guided by these kinetics, we implemented a stringent fatigue protocol designed to maximize switching stress, involving bipolar switching at approximately 2Ec with 5 ms pulses, well beyond the characteristic switching time, for continuous operation over approximately 2 weeks. The remanent polarization exhibits only a minor wake-up (+10% within the first 10^4 cycles) and ultimately returns to approximately its initial value after 10^8 cycles, with testing limited by experimental duration rather than device failure. This robust endurance is achieved in an unengineered structure and contrasts with polymer ferroelectrics such as P(VDF-TrFE), where comparable performance typically relies on interfacial engineering. The combination of LDRC-enabled high crystallinity and localized proton-transfer switching, which introduces minimal structural perturbation during polarization reversal, enables this outstanding fatigue tolerance and highlights MBI as a simple, fluorine-free platform for durable organic ferroelectric devices.

## Recorded benchmark results

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## Original sources and implementation

[Original paper](<https://arxiv.org/abs/2603.23764>)

[PDF](<https://arxiv.org/pdf/2603.23764.pdf>)