Theoretical comparison between the response of single- and multiwalled carbon nanotubes based sensor as a function of the gas pressure

We compare the efficiency of semiconducting single walled or multiwalled carbon nanotubes in resonator configuration as a function of the gas pressure. The resonance frequency shifts due to the dielectric changes of the resonator upon adsorption of gas are calculated on the basis of an effective polarizability distribution in the tube and the sensed system. Size and geometry of the sensor play an important role at high pressure while at low pressure, no clear difference is shown. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.