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Many-body van der Waals interactions in multilayer structures studied by atomic force microscopy

Author

Listed:
  • Xiao Wang

    (Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics)

  • Zepu Kou

    (Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics)

  • Ruixi Qiao

    (Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics)

  • Yuyang Long

    (Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics)

  • Baowen Li

    (Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics)

  • Xuemei Li

    (Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics
    Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics)

  • Wanlin Guo

    (Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics
    Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics)

  • Xiaofei Liu

    (Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics)

  • Jun Yin

    (Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics)

Abstract

Van der Waals interaction in multilayer structures was predicted to be of many-body character, almost in parallel with the establishment of Lifshitz theory. However, the diminishing interaction between layers separated by a finite-thickness intermediate layer prevents experimental verification of the many-body nature. Here we verify the substrate contribution at the adhesion between the atomic force microscopy tip and the supported graphene, by taking advantage of the atomic-scale proximity of two objects separated by graphene. While the pairwise dispersion theory overestimates the substrate contribution at critical adhesive pressures, the many-body dispersion theory remedies this deficiency, highlighting the non-additivity nature of substrate contribution. The many-body effect is further understood through the energy spectrum of charge density fluctuations. These findings open the door to modulating the van der Waals interaction on two-dimensional material surfaces, which would be relevant to various technologies, including microelectromechanical systems and surface molecular assembly.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiao Wang & Zepu Kou & Ruixi Qiao & Yuyang Long & Baowen Li & Xuemei Li & Wanlin Guo & Xiaofei Liu & Jun Yin, 2025. "Many-body van der Waals interactions in multilayer structures studied by atomic force microscopy," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-54484-8
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-54484-8
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