A Simplified Tantalum Oxide Memristor Model, Parameters Estimation and Application in Memory Crossbars

In this paper, an improved and simplified modification of a tantalum oxide memristor model is presented. The proposed model is applied and analyzed in hybrid and passive memory crossbars in LTSPICE environment and is based on the standard Ta2O5 memristor model proposed by Hewlett–Packard. The discussed modified model has several main enhancements—inclusion of a simplified window function, improvement of its effectiveness by the use of a simple expression for the i–v relationship, and replacement of the classical Heaviside step function with a differentiable and flat step-like function. The optimal values of coefficients of the tantalum oxide memristor model are derived by comparison of experimental current–voltage relationships and by using a procedure for parameter estimation. A simplified LTSPICE library model, correspondent to the analyzed tantalum oxide memristor, is created in accordance with the considered mathematical model. The improved and altered Ta2O5 memristor model is tested and simulated in hybrid and passive memory crossbars for a state near to a hard-switching operation. After a comparison of several of the best existing memristor models, the main pros of the proposed memristor model are highlighted—its improved implementation, better operating rate, and good switching properties.

An enhancement of electrochemical performance in lithium-ion battery via tantalum oxide coated nickel-rich cathode materials

Nickel-rich cathode materials are increasingly being applied in commercial lithium-ion batteries to realize higher specific capacity as well as improve energy density. However, low structural stability and rapid capacity decay at high voltage and temperature hinder their rapid large-scale application. Herein, a wet chemical method followed by a post-annealing process is utilized to realize the surface coating of tantalum oxide on LiNi0.88Mn0.03Co0.09O2, and the electrochemical performance is improved. The modified LiNi0.88Mn0.03Co0.09O2 displays an initial discharge capacity of ~233 mAh/g at 0.1 C and 174 mAh/g at 1 C after 150 cycles in the voltage range of 3.0-4.4 V at 45 ℃, and it also exhibits an enhanced rate capability with 118 mAh/g at 5 C. The excellent performance is due to the introduction of tantalum oxide as a stable and functional layer to protect the surface of LiNi0.88Mn0.03Co0.09O2, and the surface side reactions and cation mixing are suppressed at the same time without hampering the charge transfer kinetics.