Torsional Resonators Based on Inorganic Nanotubes.

We study for the first time the resonant torsional behaviors of inorganic nanotubes, specifically tungsten disulfide (WS) and boron nitride (BN) nanotubes, and compare them to that of carbon nanotubes. We have found WS nanotubes to have the highest quality factor (Q) and torsional resonance frequency, followed by BN nanotubes and carbon nanotubes. Dynamic and static torsional spring constants of the various nanotubes were found to be different, especially in the case of WS, possibly due to a velocity-dependent intershell friction. These results indicate that inorganic nanotubes are promising building blocks for high-Q nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS).