Observation of robust superlubricity of MoS₂ on Au(111) in ultrahigh vacuum

The structural and superlubric properties of single layer MoS2 on Au(1 1 1) forming moiré superlattice structures have been investigated by means of ultrahigh vacuum atomic force microscope with bimodal and contact modes. We synthesize epitaxial monolayer MoS2 flakes on the Au(1 1 1) surface in ultrahigh vacuum. Using friction force microscopy, atomic friction measurements indicate a superlubric regime between the tip apex and the moiré corrugated MoS2 surface in which the friction force remains at an ultralow value and is independent from normal load. Superlubricity conditions are observed for different loads and velocities which indicates the absence of out-of-plane deformations. We find that the MoS2 layer including the moiré superlattice modulation originating from the natural misfit between MoS2 and the Au(1 1 1) substrate is relatively rigid. We also demonstrate a low friction coefficient of the MoS2 surface crossing a single Au(1 1 1) step. Our results open up a new avenue for minimizing friction in nanoscale electronic devices and other dry rigid contacts used in aerospace lubrication.