Parity-Dependent Moiré Superlattices in Graphene/h-BN Heterostructures: A Route to Mechanomutable Metamaterials

The superlattice of alternating graphene/h-BN few-layered heterostructures is found to exhibit strong dependence on the parity of the number of layers within the stack. Odd-parity systems show a unique flamingolike pattern, whereas their even-parity counterparts exhibit regular hexagonal or rectangular superlattices. When the alternating stack consists of 7 layers or more, the flamingo pattern becomes favorable, regardless of parity. Notably, the out-of-plane corrugation of the system strongly depends on the shape of the superstructure resulting in significant parity dependence of its mechanical properties. The predicted phenomenon originates in an intricate competition between moiré patterns developing at the interface of consecutive layers. This mechanism is of general nature and is expected to occur in other alternating stacks of closely matched rigid layered materials as demonstrated for homogeneous alternating junctions of twisted graphene and h-BN. Our findings thus allow for the rational design of mechanomutable metamaterials based on van der Waals heterostructures.