Inkjet Printed Ti3C2Tx Sensor for External Temperature Monitoring of Batteries
Authors: Viviani Prisca , Magagnin Luca 
Published: December 2024

The importance of various data delivered via temperature makes temperature sensing one of the most essential measurements in various fields of science [1,2]. Temperature is, in fact, an indicator of specific processes and is able to provide information about the surrounding environment. Temperature sensors must accurately and rapidly detect target signals for multiple applications, as in food logistics, healthcare, robotics and energy storage systems. A high-precision temperature measurement, however, occurs provided that the direct contact with the object is guaranteed. This aspect cannot always be guaranteed by traditional, rigid sensors, as they cannot ensure a conformal contact with uneven, flexible surfaces and because of their poor mechanical compliance [3,4]. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have many desirable characteristics, but they suffer fire/explosion failure mode, which is a major safety concern. Therefore, how to improve the security and reliability of LIBs has attracted much attention. Most of the failure modes of LIBs are related to temperature variations, as temperature affects the normal operation of the battery and is one of the main factors contributing to battery safety incidents. The measurement methods are divided into two types: contact and non-contact measurements. Contact measurements include sensor-based methods such as thermistors and resistance temperature detectors. Our proposalis to develop a resistance temperature sensor based on Ti3C2Tx MXenes for the monitoring of external temperature in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The idea is to print a flexible electrode on the package of a commercial battery. Flexibility will be achieved through alternative deposition techniques, as printing techniques. In particular, inkjet printing results to be an optimal technique as it allows to produce a patterned geometry and achieve high resolutions. First, a preliminary characterization of the synthetized MXene will be necessary in terms of SEM, XRD and DLS, in order to assess whether the synthesis was successful and to assess the dimension of the MXene flakes, which directly affects the conductivity of the material. Then, the configuration design of the sensor will be considered in order to understand the best solution to maximize the sensitivity and accuracy of the sensor. The best configuration will be electrically tested in order to achieve parameters as the temperature coefficient of resistance, the sensitivity, the accuracy of the temperature sensor.
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