Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026

Residue-Free Fabrication of van der Waals Heterostructures of Two-Dimensional Materials
Published on: July 18, 2025
Interaction between graphene layers and the mechanisms of graphite's superlubricity and self-retraction
Ziwei Xu1, Xiuxia Li, Boris I Yakobson
1Institute of Textiles and Clothing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong.
Abstract:
Graphene layer-layer interaction is explored as a function of the misorientation angle. A stepwise potential energy surface (PES), where the optimized commensurate configuration (AB stacking) corresponds to the global minimum and all incommensurate configurations correspond to nearly equal energies, is shown. The stepwise behavior is attributed to the alternating appearance of AB and AA stacking-like areas and the transition areas between them. Further, the PES of most incommensurate configurations is found to be ultra-smooth. Based on this, the puzzling experimental observation of graphite flake self-retraction is successfully explained.
Related Concept Videos
Characteristics of Dry Friction
Before the wheelbarrow starts moving, the static frictional force acts tangentially to the contact surface, opposing the force that is about to induce the motion. This frictional force prevents the...
Frictional Force
Dry Friction
To illustrate this concept, imagine a wooden crate resting on a rough, non-uniform horizontal surface. When an external force is applied to...
Types of Friction Problems
The first type of dry friction problem involves situations where there is no apparent impending motion.
Rolling Resistance
For instance, imagine a hard cylinder rolling on a comparatively soft surface. The cylinder's weight compresses the surface beneath it. As the cylinder moves, the material in front of it slows down due to...
Network Covalent Solids
To break or to melt a covalent network solid, covalent bonds must be broken. Because covalent bonds are relatively strong, covalent network solids are typically...

