Ultra-stable Flexible Thermal Sensing Operating from 20 to 1273 K Enabled by the Directly Grown Mo₂C Patterns on...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• Transition metal carbides (TMCs) offer conductivity and flexibility for electronic sensors.
• Synthesizing patterned TMCs on flexible substrates for high-temperature applications remains challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a method for fabricating patterned molybdenum carbide (Mo₂C) films on flexible substrates.
• To create robust flexible sensors capable of operating in high-temperature environments.

Main Methods:

• Inkjet printing of precursor materials.
• Hydrogen-assisted thermal reduction for in situ Mo₂C growth on flexible mica at 750°C.
• Modulation of film thickness (10-70 nm) and electrical resistance (0.1-2 kΩ) via printing cycles.

Main Results:

• Achieved in situ growth of Mo₂C patterns on flexible mica.
• Developed flexible temperature sensors with performance from 20 to 1273 K.
• Demonstrated a high temperature coefficient of resistance (1.7%/K above 1200 K), fast response (26 ms), and excellent thermal stability (873 K for 4 h).

Conclusions:

• The inkjet printing and hydrogen-assisted reduction method enables the creation of thermally robust flexible sensors.
• This approach provides a versatile platform for designing high-performance sensors for extreme temperature applications.