Thickness dependent tribological and magnetic behavior of two-dimensional cobalt telluride (CoTe₂)

Two-dimensional (2D) layered transition-metal based tellurides (chalcogens) are known to harness their surface atoms’ characteristics to enhance topographical activities for energy conversion, storage, and magnetic applications. The gradual stacking of each sheet alters the surface atoms’ subtle features such as lattice expansion, leading to several phenomena and rendering tunable properties. Here, we have evaluated thickness-dependent mechanical properties (nanoscale mechanics, tribology, potential surface distributions, interfacial interaction) of 2D CoTe 2 sheets and magnetic behavior using surface probe techniques. The experimental observations are further supported and explained with theoretical investigations: density functional theory and molecular dynamics. The variation in properties observed in theoretical investigations unleashes the crucial role of crystal planes of the CoTe 2 . The presented results are beneficial in expanding the use of the 2D telluride family in flexible electronics, piezo sensors, tribo-generators, and next-generation memory devices.