Energy Dispersion Induced Precisely Tunable Friction of Graphitic Interface
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Updated: May 10, 2025

Fabrication of Gate-tunable Graphene Devices for Scanning Tunneling Microscopy Studies with Coulomb Impurities
Published on: July 24, 2015
Zhao Liu1,2, Hang Yang3, Sen Wang3
1State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China.
Abstract:
Precise control of friction at the nanoscale is crucial for developing efficient micro/nano-electromechanical systems. This study presents a novel approach to manipulate friction in two-dimensional materials using coupled direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) electric fields. By applying a low-amplitude AC bias atop a DC field, friction on monolayer graphene is continuously reduced without compensating the DC bias, while preserving the integrity of the graphitic interface. Theoretical analysis through the generalized Prandtl-Tomlinson model reveals a unique energy dispersion mechanism, where vertical resonance absorbs horizontal energy, minimizing sliding friction and enhancing interfacial durability. This approach addresses limitations in conventional electrically controlled friction methods, enabling precise device manipulation and offering new insights into frictional behavior and energy transmission.
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