Printed Temperature Sensor based on Graphene Oxide/PEDOT:PSS

Abstract

Temperature is an important physical parameter which need to be monitored for various applications ranging from health monitoring to robotics [1] , [2]. In humans, accurate measurement of the variations in the skin temperature is utilized for investigation of homeostasis, physical activities, cardiovascular health and several other health diagnostics methods [1] - [5]. For robotics, the integrated temperature sensing can help in distinguishing the hot and cold objects. Among a variety of temperature sensors (e.g. thermocouple, mercury thermometer etc.) the resistive method based temperature detection is widely used due to its rapid response, stability and accuracy [4], [6]. Various materials (e.g. semiconductors, metals, graphite , metal oxides and ceramics etc.) have been used to develop the temperature sensors [7] - [11]. However, owing to the complex processing steps along with the lack of flexibility, many times it is difficult to integrate these sensors on surfaces that can confirm to curvy body parts of a robot or prosthetic limb. In this context, printing technologies with simplified processing steps are aimed to provide low cost route for flexible/bendable sensors [12] - [15].