A multi-prong approach towards the development of high performance Temperature sensor using MWCNTs/Al2O3 composite film. (March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sehrawat, Poonam; Abid, ; Islam, S.S.; Mishra, Prabhash; Khanuja, Manika
• Is Part Of: Materials research bulletin. Volume 99(2018)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 9
• Publication Date: 2018-03
• Subjects: A. Ceramics -- A. Composites -- A. Nanostructures -- B. Sol-gel chemistry -- D. Electrical properties; Materials -- Periodicals; Crystal growth -- Periodicals; Matériaux -- Périodiques; Cristaux -- Croissance -- Périodiques; Crystal growth; Materials; Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1016/j.materresbull.2017.10.045
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-5408

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: MWCNTs/Al2 O3 composite based self-standing highly sensitive temperature sensor. Optimization of film thickness to achieve best performance of the device. Effect of carrier drift under strong electron-phonon coupling is examined. Non-contact measurements reveal possibilities of ambient environment monitoring. Highly stable and reproducible response bidding commercial scale production. Abstract: We report fabrication of high-performance temperature sensor from free-standing MWCNTs/Al2 O3 composite film where a multi-prong approach was undertaken to enhance sensor performance. Film thickness was varied until a threshold value was reached by playing surface-area to volume-ratio factor leading to enormous improvements in crucial sensor parameters–temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) and thermal hysteresis. Increased TCR resulted in high sensitivity, ultrafast response and negligible hysteresis loss. Besides, effect of carrier-drift transport under strong electron-phonon scattering is investigated by permutation of channel-length and external DC bias. Observed TCR value is −0.96%/°C for 16.53 μm thick film, at 2 V applied-bias voltage for 1 mm channel-length. Moreover, the sensor exhibited negligible hysteresis loss along-with response and recovery times of ∼40 s and ∼185 s respectively. Non-contact mode temperature measurements also demonstrated excellent performance. Fabricated sensors exhibited good stability and negligible drift for six-months. These studies are significant towards fabricating simple, highly-sensitive, economic heat sensor with high reproducibility.