Nanoscale resonant sensors with 1D carbon nanostructures: A review of carbon nanotube based NEMS devices

Carbon-based low-dimensional nanostructures, such as graphene and carbon nanotubes, have outstanding mechanical properties and can be implemented as novel nanomechanical devices. Such devices, owing to their miniature sizes and the unique physical properties of the materials, make excellent candidates for physical sensors. In this paper, we will focus on the state-of-the-art nanomechanical resonators made of carbon nanotubes, and evaluate their potential as ultra-sensitive sensors. Specifically, we will describe nanotube resonator mass sensors with the best ones achieving single-proton mass sensitivity, and a nanotube resonant sensor for detecting surface processes such as adsorption and phase transition.