Open Access Article
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Two Dimensional-Material-Coated Microcantilevers for Enhanced Mass Sensing and Material Characterization
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Gourav Bhattacharya , Indrianita Lionadi , stuart McMichael , Mike Taverne , James McLaughlin , Pilar Fernandez-Ibanez , Chung-Che Huang , Ying-Lung Daniel Ho and Amir Farokh Payam
First published on 2nd October 2025
Abstract
The integration of 2D material coatings on microcantilevers marks a transformative advancement in nanomechanical sensing. As essential components of nanomechanical sensors, microcantilevers detect minute forces, such as molecular interactions, through frequency shift measurements, enabling ultra-sensitive detection with atomic-scale mass resolution. This work emphasizes the novelty of employing 2D-material coatings on microcantilevers, presenting an integrated approach that combines theoretical modeling, simulation, and experimentation. By utilizing 2D-material-coated microcantilevers, this study demonstrates the precise measurement of mass, Young’s modulus and thickness of 2D material layers. The enhanced performance of these coated resonators is showcased in applications such as bacterial and uric acid mass sensing at varying concentrations, achieving superior frequency detection, responsivity, and accuracy. This research not only advances nanoscale sensor design but also underscores the potential of 2D-material coatings in revolutionizing nanoelectromechanical sensors for materials characterization and mass spectrometry, paving the way for next-generation sensing technologies.