An Extensive Review of Nanotubes-Based Mass Sensors

Abstract

Sensors have tremendous demand in industry because of their properties like sensitiveness, responsiveness, stability, selectiveness, and cost-effectiveness. Therefore, it is a dire need to develop advanced sensing materials and technologies. With the rapid advancement in micro- and nanotechnologies in micro-electromechanical systems/nano-electromechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS), more emphasis has to develop micro- and nanomechanical resonators, having great interest for engineering fields. When MEMS/NEMS resonators are used for advancement in sensors, then they could perform both detection and sensing. Both boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) and carbon nanotubes (CNT) are the strongest lightweight nanomaterials used for mass sensing applications. BNNT contradict to CNT have nontoxic property toward health and environment because of its structural stability and chemical inertness, which makes it more suitable for biological applications. From various studies, the conclusion comes out that the nonlinear dynamic behavior of Boron Nitride Nanotubes-based mass sensors has not yet been explored. It is required strongly to study the nonlinear conduct of BNNT for designing a better performing mass sensor.