In Situ Twistronics: A New Platform Based on Superlubricity

Abstract

Twistronics, an emerging field focused on exploring the unique electrical properties induced by twist interface in graphene multilayers, has garnered significant attention in recent years. The general manipulation of twist angle depends on the assembly of van der Waals (vdW) layered materials, which has led to the discovery of unconventional superconductivity, ferroelectricity, and nonlinear optics, thereby expanding the realm of twistronics. Recently, in situ tuning of interlayer conductivity in vdW layered materials has been achieved based on scanning probe microscope. In this Perspective, the advancements in in situ twistronics are focused on by reviewing the state‐of‐the‐art in situ manipulating technology, discussing the underlying mechanism based on the concept of structural superlubricity, and exploiting the real‐time twistronic tests under scanning electron microscope (SEM). It is shown that the real‐time manipulation under SEM allows for visualizing and monitoring the interface status during in situ twistronic testing. By harnessing the unique tribological properties of vdW layered materials, this novel platform not only enhances the fabrication of twistronic devices but also facilitates the fundamental understanding of interface phenomena in vdW layered materials. Moreover, this platform holds great promise for the application of twistronic‐mechanical systems, providing avenues for the integration of twistronics into various mechanical frameworks.

Moiré superlattice effects on interfacial mechanical behavior: A concise review

“…The formation of moiré superlattices in 2D vdW layered materials through interlayer twisting presents a unique avenue for manipulating material properties, giving rise to burgeoning research fields like twistronics, [140,141] moiré physics, [65] and superlubricity. [55,140] Furthermore, the distinctive physical and mechanical behaviors exhibited by layered materials due to the moiré superlattice effect find applications in diverse areas.…”

Structural Superlubricity of Two-Dimensional Materials: Mechanisms, Properties, Influencing Factors, and Applications

“…MD simulations and first-principles calculations were used to analyze a series of interlayer frictional dissipation mechanisms. These mechanisms include moiré superlattice-induced atomic-level interlayer shape structure [71,72], interlayer sliding potential energy surface (PES) fluctuation differences [72], and twisting dynamics [73] in 2D materials. The scope of research on structural superlubricity was gradually expanded to include ambient conditions [74][75][76], pointing to the future realization of structural superlubricity at the macroscale.…”