In two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) structures, the twist angle between adjacent layers has emerged as a pivotal parameter for engineering electronic band structures. This is vividly exemplified by the discovery of an extensive array of correlated and topological phases in 2D moiré systems. Yet, beyond the twist angle, interlayer separation—a relatively understudied parameter—provides an additional degree of freedom for modulating electronic properties of 2D moiré systems. Here, we demonstrate that in $\text{graphene}/{\mathrm{WSe}}_2$ heterostructures at specific twist angles, reducing the interlayer separation via scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) tip manipulation induces a moiré superlattice with a patent kagomelike arrangement. We show that this structural feature originates from carbon-carbon dimerization within the graphene layer and is driven by an interplay between the moiré superlattice and strong interlayer hybridization between graphene and ${\mathrm{WSe}}_2$. Furthermore, the kagomelike structure induces kagome-type electronic bands, as validated by first principles calculations. Our results establish interlayer hybridization in 2D moiré systems as a powerful and tunable knob for realizing designer quantum phases in vdW materials.

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• Graphene
• Kagome lattice
• Transition metal dichalcogenides
• Twisted heterostructures
• Scanning tunneling microscopy