Epitaxial graphene thermistor for cryogenic temperatures

•Desorption/adsorption of atmospheric adsorbates influence the electrical conductivity and thermal sensitivity of graphene.•SiO2 encapsulated epitaxial graphene exhibits a strong NTC type thermistor behavior.•Transient thermal response of encapsulated epitaxial graphene is superior for the temperatures below 225 K.•SiO2 encapsulated epitaxial graphene can be used readily as a thermistor element for cryogenic temperature measurements.