Domino-like stacking order switching in twisted monolayer-multilayer graphene

Atomic reconstruction has been widely observed in two-dimensional van der Waals structures with small twist angles(1-7). This unusual behaviour leads to many novel phenomena, including strong electronic correlation, spontaneous ferromagnetism and topologically protected states(1,5,8-14). Nevertheless, atomic reconstruction typically occurs spontaneously, exhibiting only one single stable state. Using conductive atomic force microscopy, here we show that, for small-angle twisted monolayer-multilayer graphene, there exist two metastable reconstruction states with distinct stacking orders and strain soliton structures. More importantly, we demonstrate that these two reconstruction states can be reversibly switched, and the switching can propagate spontaneously in an unusual domino-like fashion. Assisted by lattice-resolved conductive atomic force microscopy imaging and atomistic simulations, the detailed structure of the strain soliton networks has been identified and the associated propagation mechanism is attributed to the strong mechanical coupling among solitons. The fine structure of the bistable states is critical for understanding the unique properties of van der Waals structures with tiny twists, and the switching mechanism offers a viable means for manipulating their stacking states.

Automated summary

In this study, two metastable reconstruction states with distinct stacking orders and strain soliton structures were identified in small-angle twisted graphene using conductive atomic force microscopy. The switching mechanism between these two states was found to propagate spontaneously in a domino-like fashion. The fine structure of the bistable states is critical for understanding the unique properties of van der Waals structures with tiny twists.