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    One-Dimensional Brownian Motion on Unpatterned Two-Dimensional Crystal Surfaces

    Ruisheng Zhao, Wanlin Guo, and Hu Qiu*

    • State Key Laboratory of Mechanics and Control for Aerospace Structures and Key Laboratory for Intelligent Nano Materials and Devices of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Nano Science, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, 210016, China

    • *Contact author: qiuhu@nuaa.edu.cn

    Phys. Rev. Lett. 136, 226202 – Published 2 June, 2026

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/dswg-sb5y

    Abstract

    Conventional one-dimensional (1D) Brownian motion on surfaces relies on physical tracks such as prefabricated channels or grooves. Here, we demonstrate through molecular dynamics simulations that a monolayer polymeric C60 nanoflake can undergo persistent 1D Brownian motion on unpatterned, atomically flat crystalline surfaces including graphene, hexagonal boron nitride, and molybdenum disulfide. Initially placed at an arbitrary angle, the flake spontaneously rotates into a low-energy stacking configuration with the substrate and then slides along a specific crystallographic axis. This directional behavior stems from a symmetry-broken interfacial potential featuring groovelike energy minima, which act as intrinsic, energetic tracks. Moreover, the sliding direction can be deliberately switched by rotating the nanoflake at predetermined locations, enabling programmable, angstrom-precision transport of adsorbed nanoscale cargos.

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