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Landi G, Pagano S, Granata V, Avallone G, La Notte L, Palma AL, Sdringola P, Puglisi G, Barone C. Regeneration and Long-Term Stability of a Low-Power Eco-Friendly Temperature Sensor Based on a Hydrogel Nanocomposite. Nanomaterials (Basel) 2024; 14:283. [PMID: 38334553 PMCID: PMC10856540 DOI: 10.3390/nano14030283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
A water-processable and low-cost nanocomposite material, based on gelatin and graphene, has been used to fabricate an environmentally friendly temperature sensor. Demonstrating a temperature-dependent open-circuit voltage between 260 and 310 K, the sensor effectively detects subzero ice formation. Notably, it maintains a constant temperature sensitivity of approximately -19 mV/K over two years, showcasing long-term stability. Experimental evidence demonstrates the efficient regeneration of aged sensors by injecting a few drops of water at a temperature higher than the gelation point of the hydrogel nanocomposite. The real-time monitoring of the electrical characteristics during the hydration reveals the initiation of the regeneration process at the gelation point (~306 K), resulting in a more conductive nanocomposite. These findings, together with a fast response and low power consumption in the range of microwatts, underscore the potential of the eco-friendly sensor for diverse practical applications in temperature monitoring and environmental sensing. Furthermore, the successful regeneration process significantly enhances its sustainability and reusability, making a valuable contribution to environmentally conscious technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Landi
- ENEA, Portici Research Center, Piazzale Enrico Fermi, Località Granatello, 80055 Portici, Italy;
| | - Sergio Pagano
- Dipartimento di Fisica “E.R. Caianiello”, Università degli Studi di Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (V.G.); (G.A.)
- INFN Gruppo Collegato di Salerno, Università degli Studi di Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
- CNR-SPIN, Università degli Studi di Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Veronica Granata
- Dipartimento di Fisica “E.R. Caianiello”, Università degli Studi di Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (V.G.); (G.A.)
- INFN Gruppo Collegato di Salerno, Università degli Studi di Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Guerino Avallone
- Dipartimento di Fisica “E.R. Caianiello”, Università degli Studi di Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (V.G.); (G.A.)
- INFN Gruppo Collegato di Salerno, Università degli Studi di Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Luca La Notte
- ENEA, Casaccia Research Center, Via Anguillarese 301, 00123 Rome, Italy; (L.L.N.); (A.L.P.); (P.S.); (G.P.)
| | - Alessandro Lorenzo Palma
- ENEA, Casaccia Research Center, Via Anguillarese 301, 00123 Rome, Italy; (L.L.N.); (A.L.P.); (P.S.); (G.P.)
| | - Paolo Sdringola
- ENEA, Casaccia Research Center, Via Anguillarese 301, 00123 Rome, Italy; (L.L.N.); (A.L.P.); (P.S.); (G.P.)
| | - Giovanni Puglisi
- ENEA, Casaccia Research Center, Via Anguillarese 301, 00123 Rome, Italy; (L.L.N.); (A.L.P.); (P.S.); (G.P.)
| | - Carlo Barone
- Dipartimento di Fisica “E.R. Caianiello”, Università degli Studi di Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (V.G.); (G.A.)
- INFN Gruppo Collegato di Salerno, Università degli Studi di Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
- CNR-SPIN, Università degli Studi di Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
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