Researchers from the Czech Republic's Palacký University’s CATRIN, the University of West Bohemia, and VSB-TUO have developed an innovative sensor capable of accurately measuring temperatures between 10 and 90 degrees Celsius. This novel sensor, based on a novel graphene derivative, stands out for its high precision, reliability, and resistance to humidity. Its applications range from industrial production and storage areas requiring remote temperature monitoring to integration into protective clothing.
“We developed the new material using fluorographene chemistry by removing fluorine atoms and attaching benzylamine to the available reactive sites. This proved to be a crucial step in creating the temperature sensor. This technology allowed us to significantly minimize the adverse effects of humidity, typically the most challenging issue for such devices,” explained Petr Jakubec from CATRIN, a co-author of the study published in the prestigious journal Advanced Electronic Materials.
According to the authors of the study, the new sensor offers significant advantages over traditional sensors, primarily due to its high accuracy. “It exhibits temperature resistivity that is twice as high as that of conventional platinum thermometers. A common issue with temperature sensors is their varying responses to changes in relative humidity. As a result, they often need to be wrapped in an insulating layer, which reduces their response rate. Our material, however, is stable and insensitive to humidity, allowing it to function in direct contact with the environment. This means it can measure temperature more accurately and quickly, better meeting the needs of modern industry,” stated the team leader Michal Otyepka from CATRIN and IT4Innovations VSB-TUO.
The sensor can be produced using inexpensive and rapid printing technologies, making it cost-effective to manufacture and easily scalable. This efficiency positions it as an ideal choice for widespread use in commercial applications.