Flexible Thermistors based on Laser-Induced Graphene from Polyetherimide

Abstract

The importance of temperature sensors has notably increased in recent years, paralleling the surge in demand for flexible and stretchable sensor technologies. In this study, we fabricate and characterize a flexible resistive temperature sensor based on Laser-Induced Graphene (LIG) on Polyetherimide (PEI). The structure and morphology of LIG are thoughtfully characterized proving the formation of a graphitic-based structure. Subsequently, the sensors were evaluated in terms of their temperature response, impact of relative humidity (RH), and bending cycles. The results reveal that the PEI-LIG flexible thermistor exhibits a high sensitivity of -0.159%/°C, with minimal influence from humidity. These findings contribute to advancing the research in inexpensive flexible temperature sensing technology, providing insights into material selection and sensor design for diverse applications.