Ultralow Resistivity\nof the Graphite/Au van der Waals\nHeterostructure in the Structural Superlubric State

Structural\nsuperlubricity, a state of zero wear and ultralow\nfriction\nbetween two sliding solid contact surfaces, offers transformative\npotential for NEMS/MEMS switches, relays, logic devices, and sensors.\nUltralow resistivity in two-dimensional (2D)/three-dimensional (3D)\nvan der Waals heterostructures is critical for most applications.\nUsing high-vacuum thermal evaporation of Au, we fabricate defect-free\nsingle-crystal graphite/Au van der Waals heterostructures in the SSL\nstate, achieving a record-low resistivity of 2.542 × 10<sup>–12</sup> Ω m<sup>2</sup>, which is 6 times lower than that of prior\nreports. The resistance remains stable under varying loads and speeds,\nattributed to the all-atom contact and defect-free single-crystal\ngraphite. Thermal evaporation of Au preserves the single-crystal graphite\n2D lattice, enabling lower resistivity. The 2D/3D SSL heterostructure\nis simpler, more stable, and broadly more applicable than 2D/2D systems.\nIt establishes the electrical foundation for applying superlubric\ntechnology in micro-nano devices and provides a platform for studying\nfundamental behaviors at 2D/3D sliding interfaces, including electron\nfriction, phonon dissipation, and electron transfer.