Applications of single-layered graphene sheets as mass sensors and atomistic dust detectors

Molecular structural mechanics is implemented to model the vibrational behavior of defect-free single-layered graphene sheets (SLGSs) at constant temperature. To mimic these two-dimensional layers, zigzag and armchair models with cantilever and bridge boundary conditions are adopted. Fundamental frequencies of these nanostructures are calculated, and it is perceived that they are independent of the chirality and aspect ratio. The effects of point mass and atomistic dust on the fundamental frequencies are also considered in order to investigate the possibility of using SLGSs as sensors. The results show that the principal frequencies are highly sensitive to an added mass of the order of 10−6fg.