Tunable Friction in Atom-thick Van der Waals Heterolayers
Abstract
The objectives of this Office of Naval Research (ONR) proposal are to understand the dynamic modulation of wet friction of atomically thin two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) materials and to further explore their applications in high performance lubricant materials in marine environments. The principal investigator (PI) proposes to investigate 2D transitional metal dichalcogenides (TMD)heterostructures to enhance the surface energy tunability through the electrical and photoexcitation and achieve higher levels of resilient materials operating in aqueous solution. TMD/TMD heterostructures with interlayer excitons (ILEs) are ideal material platforms for modulating the friction behavior as they produce permanent electrical dipole moment with high stability even at room temperature. In particular, photoexcitation and electric field provide a unique approach to modulate charge redistribution in TMD/TMD heterostructures and thus tailor the wet friction of the surfaces. To realize newpotential, the PI proposes to establish (1) a fundamental understanding of wet friction in vdW heterostructures with optical and electrical excitation, (2) a functional platform to dynamically modulate the wet friction, and (3) enhanced lubrication capabilities of atomically thin material-based devices in aqueous solution.The proposed research is expected to contribute to the fundamental understanding of the chemical physical coupled interactions at the interfaces between future Naval systems and the complex chemical environments surrounding them. By elucidating the unique linkage # electronic contributions to tribological properties of vdW materials, the PI aspires to enhance Navy#s capabilities to measure, model, and predict Naval systems from operating in a complex chemical environment. The PI also aims to explore vdW materials# potential as a lubricant coating material for use in aqueous solutions with improved resiliency. Leveraging engineering approaches to adjust the surface energy through photo- and electrical doping, the PI expects to gain insights into the operational conditions of vdWmaterials through tribology, kinematics, and degradation effects in marine environments. Ultimately, the PI expects that the new technology, expertise, and knowledge enabled by the proposed effort in dynamically tunable wet friction will ensure long-term U.S. andDoD leadership in surface science.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Nov 08, 2024
- Source ID
- N000142412533
Entities
People
- SungWoo Nam
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of California, Irvine