In order to develop a new temperature sensor based on activated carbon (AC) samples, this work presents the synthesis, basic properties, and temperature sensor characteristics as possible future application. The AC samples are obtained from bamboo as source material via thermal decomposition method, under a controlled nitrogen low-atmosphere, at different carbonization temperatures and activated by using NaOH at 973 K. The basic properties are studied by using SEM, EDS, BET, X-ray diffraction, FTIR, Raman, and electrical techniques. It is found that AC exhibits morphological behavior of particles with vascular characteristics. The structural and vibrational responses suggest graphite oxide domains present in AC. Electrical characterization revealed a two-order of magnitude increase in conductivity, possibly attributed to increased graphite oxide domains produced by desorption of some organic compounds, which benefits development of temperature sensors with negative temperature coefficient (NTC). A possible temperature sensor based on AC is proposed and implemented. The electrical resistivity of AC, as temperature sensor, exhibits a NTC at À4.7%/K, with linear current response varying from 21.1 to 37.2 mA, which is a novelty for a thermistor NTC. These results suggest that AC is an excellent candidate to develop temperature sensors in electronics.

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