Vibration-induced dynamic structural superlubricity on MoS ₂ /Au(111) under ultrahigh vacuum

Achieving rapid and flexible control of friction across different material surfaces is of great significance and remains a longstanding challenging goal in modern tribology. Here, we demonstrate dynamic structural superlubricity in monolayer MoS 2 -coated gold surfaces induced by external mechanical actuation. By tuning the excitation frequency to the cantilever resonance, stick–slip motion is effectively suppressed, leading to a significant reduction in friction even under high-load conditions. Experimental results, supported by a modified phononic friction model, reveal that torsional vibrations reduce energy barriers and promote transitions between atomic sites. This strategy provides a universal and reversible approach for active friction control at the nanoscale.