Nanoscale friction control of layered transition metal dichalcogenides

Layered 2D materials have a wide range of tunable physical properties that offer many potential applications in areas such as photovoltaics, hydrogen evolution catalysis, transistors, DNA detection, nanoelectromechanical systems and tribological applications. Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are particularly useful in this regard due to their flexible chemistry and stoichiometry. However, the manipulation and assembly of free-standing TMD layers into devices requires a deep understanding and control of their frictional properties at the nanoscale. To address this challenge, the aim of this project is to develop a thorough theoretical and experimental understanding of how to control friction in TMD-based systems at the nanoscale. This will involve identifying the most promising TMD-based heterostructures with targeted functionalities and establishing protocols for designing new tribological materials with tailored frictional properties. The specific scientific objectives of this project are to develop a deep understanding of how to control friction in TMD-based systems on demand, and to identify the best electrical and optical stimuli that can be used as external 'knobs' for users to control friction.