In-plane mechanical response of TiO2 nanotube arrays - intrinsic properties and impact of adsorbates for sensor applications.

In-plane mechanical response of TiO2 nano-tube arrays is intrinsically characterized by very low elastic moduli and significant damping, while both are strongly affected by presence of adsorbates. These findings suggest use of TiO2 nanotube arrays as novel types of sensors, actuators as well as highly stretchable coatings in biomedical applications.