Friction behavior of monolayer molybdenum diselenide nanosheet under normal electric field

• Published in: Physics letters. A 2020-03, Vol.384 (7), p.126166, Article 126166
• Main Authors: Peng, Jinfeng, Yang, Feipeng, Huang, Kuan, Dong, Hui, Yan, Shaoan, Zheng, Xuejun
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 2D material; Atomic force microscope; Nano-friction; Normal electric field; Surface potential
• ISSN: 0375-9601; 1873-2429
• DOI: 10.1016/j.physleta.2019.126166

The friction behavior of monolayer molybdenum diselenide (MoSe2) under normal electric field was studied by the atomic force microscope. The friction coefficients of MoSe2 are increasing with bias voltage applied on the Si substrate. The results show that the adhesion and electrostatic forces increase with bias and approximately follow a parabolic law. The friction force and surface potential are of the same tendency with bias application time, and the contribution of charges accumulation to friction is considerable. The mechanisms of the friction behavior under external normal electric field were explained with electrostatic force and adsorption. This study reveals a possibility of electronically controlling friction in two-dimensional MoSe2 system, with potential applications in solid lubricant and moving parts for MEMS devices. •The friction behavior of monolayer MoSe2 nanosheet can be modulated under normal electric field investigated by the AFM.•The friction coefficient, adhesion force and electrostatic force increase with the sample bias.•The mechanisms of friction behaviors under normal electric field were explained with electrostatic force and absorption.•A possibility of electronically controlling friction is provided in 2D MoSe2 system.