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Van der Waals Interactions

Van der Waals Interactions

Atoms and molecules interact with each other through intermolecular forces. These electrostatic forces arise from attractive or repulsive interactions between particles with permanent, partial, or temporary charges. The intermolecular forces between neutral atoms and molecules are ion–dipole, dipole–dipole, and dispersion forces, collectively known as van der Waals forces.

Van der Waals Equation

Van der Waals Equation

The ideal gas law is an approximation that works well at high temperatures and low pressures. The van der Waals equation of state (named after the Dutch physicist Johannes van der Waals, 1837−1923) improves it by considering two factors.
First, the attractive forces between molecules, which are stronger at higher densities and reduce the pressure, are considered by adding to the pressure a term equal to the square of the molar density multiplied by a positive coefficient a. Second, the volume...

Real Gases: Effects of Intermolecular Forces and Molecular Volume Deriving Van der Waals Equation

Real Gases: Effects of Intermolecular Forces and Molecular Volume Deriving Van der Waals Equation

Thus far, the ideal gas law, PV = nRT, has been applied to a variety of different types of problems, ranging from reaction stoichiometry and empirical and molecular formula problems to determining the density and molar mass of a gas. However, the behavior of a gas is often non-ideal, meaning that the observed relationships between its pressure, volume, and temperature are not accurately described by the gas laws.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 7, 2026

Fabricating Nanogaps by Nanoskiving

Fabricating Nanogaps by Nanoskiving

Published on: May 13, 2013

Mapping the Subnanometer Interfacial Distance in a van der Waals Junction.

Yuqing He^1,2, Zhaokuan Yu^2,3, Weijia Feng^1,2,4

¹State Key Laboratory of Tribology in Advanced Equipment (SKLT) and Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.

|January 5, 2026

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers developed a new optical interferometry method to map interfacial distance in van der Waals (vdW) junctions. This nondestructive technique offers real-time, subnanometer resolution for understanding device performance and nanoscale friction.

Keywords:

conductivity diffusion friction interfacial distance van der Waals (vdW) junction white light interferometry

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Area of Science:

Materials Science
Nanotechnology
Surface Science

Background:

Interfacial distance (d) in van der Waals (vdW) junctions is critical for device performance.
Existing methods for mapping d lack spatial resolution, risk damage, or are not quantitative.
Accurate characterization of interfacial interactions is essential for advancing vdW devices.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop a novel, nondestructive method for spatially mapping interfacial distance in vdW junctions.
To enable in situ, real-time characterization of interfacial dynamics with high resolution.
To provide new insights into nanoscale friction, diffusion, and contact mechanics.

Main Methods:

Development of an optical interferometry-based technique for interfacial distance mapping.
Application to NbSe2/graphite heterojunctions to track d variations during approach.
Utilizing the method on sliding graphene/graphite junctions to visualize nanoscale third-body motion.

Main Results:

Achieved subnanometer resolution for nondestructive, in situ, real-time mapping of interfacial distance.
Visualized confined motion of nanoscale third bodies during sliding, revealing anisotropic diffusion.
Resolved interfacial contact states, enabling prediction of friction, wear, and stress.

Conclusions:

The optical interferometry method provides unprecedented experimental insight into interfacial phenomena in vdW junctions.
This technique is valuable for understanding and predicting mechanical properties like friction and wear.
Enables advancements in the design and performance optimization of vdW electronic devices.