Applications and Developments in Semiconductor Memory Technology

With the rapid evolution of information technology, semiconductor memory has become a cornerstone of modern computing, supporting big data, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things. Traditional magnetic storage technologies are increasingly unable to meet demands for speed, capacity, and energy efficiency, highlighting the urgency of advancing semiconductor memory research. Despite progress in DRAM, SRAM, and flash memory, existing studies reveal gaps in addressing production sustainability, high costs, and environmental challenges. This paper systematically reviews the development and industrial landscape of semiconductor memory, analyzes its manufacturing processes and associated pollutants, and evaluates emerging sustainable solutions such as advanced abatement systems and wastewater treatment strategies. It further explores cutting-edge alternatives, particularly Resistive Random Access Memory (ReRAM), which integrates high-speed and non-volatile features but still suffers from device variability, circuit complexity, and limited market readiness. Results show that innovative process optimization and architecture-aware training can partially mitigate these constraints, while sustainable practices significantly reduce environmental impacts. The study underscores that advancing semiconductor memory requires not only technological breakthroughs but also robust sustainability and intellectual property strategies, offering critical implications for global competitiveness, industrial upgrading, and the transition toward low-carbon intelligent infrastructures.