Graphite flake self-retraction response based on potential seeking

Abstract

The high elastic modulus and interlayer strengths of graphite flakes make them a durable solid superlubricant. Apart from this, they have configurable electrical properties, exhibit quantum Hall effects, and possess a myriad of useful photonic properties. The self-retraction behavior of graphite flakes can have significant impact on the creation of ordered stacks for various applications because any accidental or intentional displacement of the top flake over the stacks below may result in a misalignment of the carbon-carbon atomic arrangement which, in turn, can have influence over the electrical and photonic properties. It has also been revealed that there was a tendency of the displaced microflake to fail at times to return to its original starting position and orientation. Here, we elucidate this behavior by considering the influence of the interlayer potential forces based on minimal potential energy seeking. The maps of the parameters interrogated here provide the ability for precautions to be undertaken. They also potentially permit the creation of an array of microflake stacks in which the metastable states permit different information to be encoded by virtue of the differentiated photonic or electrical characteristics readable from each array site.

Oscillatory motion in layered materials: graphene, boron nitride, and molybdenum disulfide

“…The mechanisms underlying graphene oscillation and self-retraction have been investigated extensively, both experimentally [3][4][5] and computationally [6][7][8][9][10][11]. In general, this behavior is explained by the conversion of potential energy of the offset configuration to kinetic energy that drives the system towards its energetically stable overlapping configuration.…”

The role of roughness-induced damping in the oscillatory motion of bilayer graphene

“…Graphene has many novel properties and characteristics that make it a promising material for a variety of applications [1]. Recently, multilayer graphene was found to exhibit an exciting new behavior where the uppermost layer, after being laterally offset from those below it, retracts to its initial position [2][3][4][5], sometimes after oscillating [6]. The physics behind this behavior can be understood easily in terms of energetics: the offset position is energetically unstable, so the upper layer moves towards the overlapping, low-energy position [2,[5][6][7][8]10].…”

“…Recently, multilayer graphene was found to exhibit an exciting new behavior where the uppermost layer, after being laterally offset from those below it, retracts to its initial position [2][3][4][5], sometimes after oscillating [6]. The physics behind this behavior can be understood easily in terms of energetics: the offset position is energetically unstable, so the upper layer moves towards the overlapping, low-energy position [2,[5][6][7][8]10]. The dynamics of the motion are then determined by factors that affect the energy gradient, including commensurability [8,10] and temperature [2].…”

Experimental advances in superlubricity

“…Other applications of structural superlubricity based on graphite and graphene include inertia device [36], memory device [37] and shuttle [38].…”