#temerature

Read more news and analysis from Materials World on the IOM3 website, here: https://www.iom3.org/materials-world-magazine

By Shardell Joseph 

Researchers at Linköping University, Sweden have developed a cellulose-based aerogel material, acting as a sensor that independently measures pressure, temperature and humidity. According to the researchers, the sensor may be highly significant in fields such as monitoring patients, robotics, functional textiles, surveillance and security.

The technique for filtering out individual signal for pressure, temperature and humidity was developed by Senior Lecturer of Linköping University Simone Fabiano and Doctoral student Shaobo Han.

‘Our unique sensor also prepares the way for the internet of things, and brings lower complexity and lower production costs,’ said Fabiano. ‘This is an advantage not least in the security industry. A further possible application is placing sensors into packages with sensitive goods.’

According to Fabiano, the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of the multimodal cellulose sensor could see it adopted for a range of applications.

The materials is made by combining cellulose nanofibres with the conducting polymer PEDOT:PSS and freeze-drying the mixture in a vacuum. The substance, known as polysilane, is added – causing the aerogel to become elastic.

The material uses a thermoelectric effect conducting both ions and electrons, the electrons move from the cold side of the material to the warm side. The voltage difference created by this effect can then be measured. Increasing the pressure can cause a fall in resistance, allowing the electrons to flow more readily. The larger the temperature difference between the sides, the higher the voltage developed.