Research progress on negative temperature coefficient thermistors: review

Abstract

The global negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor market produces over four billion units annually, with applications spanning industrial manufacturing, aerospace, and household appliances. With the increasing adoption of new energy vehicles and energy storage systems, the demand for reliable temperature control in battery systems has grown significantly. NTC thermistors, renowned for their precision, miniaturization, and rapid response, play a crucial role in maintaining optimal battery temperatures, which contributes to prolonged battery life and enhanced system reliability. Over the past two centuries, various materials have been used to develop NTC thermistors. However, early NTC thermistors often suffered from issues such as a narrow temperature measurement range and poor stability. Therefore, it is necessary to review the effects of different materials, dopants, and manufacturing processes on the electrical properties of NTC thermistors to promote further research and applications. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the characteristics, development history, performance index, and temperature-sensing mechanisms of NTC thermistors. Additionally, it summarizes the current research status and future directions for various types of NTC thermistors.