Sn-doped CuO nanostructures as a fast and sensitive miniaturized temperature sensor

This study reports the successful fabrication of a highly sensitive temperature sensor based on Sn-doped CuO nanostructures (NSs). Pure CuO NSs were synthesized via a solution-based process and Sn-doped CuO NSs were synthesized by a solution-based co-precipitation method by adding SnCl 4 .5H 2 O to the copper acetate solution with the aim of lattice incorporation of Sn 4+ ions into the CuO structure. Pure and Sn-doped CuO NSs were annealed at 400 °C for 2 h. Sensors were fabricated by coating of sensing materials on alumina substrate equipped with Pt electrodes. The sensor’s temperature was regulated with an integrated micro-heater. As temperature varied from 30 to 170 °C, the resistance changed accordingly, allowing the sensor to detect temperature shifts within this range. Sn-doped CuO NSs sensor demonstrated a temperature coefficient ratio (TCR) of -0.70%°C − 1 and a sensitivity of -41.93 MΩ/°C, indicating high sensitivity for practical applications. Additionally, the sensor exhibited fast response time and high stability. The obtained results suggest the high potential for developing a highly sensitive, stable, and portable temperature sensor based on Sn-doped CuO NSs. The enhanced performance is mainly attributed to the effects of Sn doping on the electronic structure and morphology of CuO