Nanotribological Study of a-Si:H Thin Films and NEMs Implications

Despite the extensive applications of silicon (Si)-based materials in micro- and nanoscale devices, their nanofriction behavior is still concerning and has impacted a few applications. 

Nanotribological Study of a-Si:H Thin Films and NEMs Implications

Study: Nanotribology of Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon: Sliding-Dependent Friction and Implications for Nanoelectromechanical Systems. Image Credit: Mahir KART/Shutterstock.com

Previous simulations of hydrogenated Si surfaces revealed their sliding-dependent friction mechanism, where the friction forces increased with sliding. However, this mechanism lacked experimental evaluation and validation of this behavior in an ambient atmosphere relevant to the current application.

An article published in ACS Applied Nano Materials experimentally presented the nanotribology of hydrogenated amorphous Si (a-Si:H) through repetitive scanning using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Overall, sliding caused an increase in friction and prevented wear. 

The friction force was recovered to an intermediate value after separation and fresh contact and later increased until it reached an intermediate stable state. The mechanism was based on the repeated formation and destruction of bonds at the interface. 

Furthermore, investigating the relationship between the nanofriction behavior and the photoactivity of the material revealed that under an external light source during scanning, the results could be altered only before the interface's stabilization. By resolving the present problems and recommending novel devices based on anomalous behavior, this experimental investigation could support wider nanoscience applications of Si material.

Nanotribology of Si-Based Materials

Nanotribology or molecular tribology is one of the most significant components of tribology which is concerned with atomic and molecular interactions at the nanoscale that occur upon the frictional contact of materials or lubrication.

The ability to study friction and wear processes at the nano-/molecular level has expanded due to AFM and other surface research techniques. With more computing power, it is now feasible to study atomic-scale contact processes and conduct molecular dynamics simulations of sliding surfaces to study friction.

These developments gave rise to research that intended to create a basic knowledge of the nature and effects of interactions between materials on an atomic scale and to direct efforts in practical applications.

Consequently, the active control or tuning of such a widespread phenomenon is crucial for developing novel and formerly restricted applications, paving the way for developing nanotribology and nanomechanics.

Micro- and nanoelectromechanical systems (MEMS and NEMS, respectively) are crucial in many technical domains, and their large-scale applications are affected by their tribological characteristics. Due to their dimensions (surface-to-volume ratio), their surface features are more significant than their bulk qualities for performance.

Si materials are widely employed in MEMS and NEMS because of their adaptability and the techniques available for micro- and nanopatterning.

Nanotribology of a-Si:H

Previously, the light-induced photoconductivity variation of microcrystalline hydrogenated Si (μc-Si: H) and a-Si:H has been investigated using conductive AFM. The results revealed that the uniformly scattered light from the laser of the equipment was sufficient to affect photoconductivity, the effect of which was severe in μc-Si:H.

The present study focused on three main goals of a-Si:H thin films. First, a nanotribological study of the a-Si:H thin films was conducted without any wear or plastic changes. Second, the sliding-dependent friction behavior was experimentally validated, as previously suggested by theoretical simulations.

The estimated friction increased during repeated sliding until a steady state was achieved. When the contact ceased and was re-established, the frictional forces restarted at an inferior level but stabilized at an intermediate value. This phenomenon was anticipated to have a direct influence on NEM-technology-based applications. Moreover, the formation of Si-Si bonds at contact during sliding is one possible explanation for such phenomena.

Furthermore, on separating the surfaces, the dangling bonds were passivated by the environment or internal rearrangement in both the sample and tip. Third, because the band gap of the sample matched the ubiquitous laser scattering of AFM, the photo effect interfered. Additionally, an external source at different time points verified these additional effects.

Following the dark scans, no additional changes were observed with the incident light after realizing steady-state behavior. However, if the system is still developing, the external light results in larger friction force ratios than those that were consistently recorded in the dark and revealed a critical point in the transition from dark to light and vice versa.

The researchers offer new avenues for better understanding and controlling the frictional characteristics of these systems, as well as for investigating the important theoretical implications of the phenomenon in both conventional and novel applications.

Conclusion

In summary, the goal of investigating the intriguing nanotribology of a-Si:H films was achieved, which could support future experimental and theoretical investigations. Complete knowledge of the characteristics of such a system may boost the material's broader nanoapplication, address present issues (difficulty in MEMs and NEMs industrial applications), and suggest new devices that explore odd features.

Reference

Leidens, L. M. et al. (2022). Nanotribology of Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon: Sliding-Dependent Friction and Implications for Nanoelectromechanical Systems. ACS Applied Nano Materialshttps://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsanm.2c03603

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the author expressed in their private capacity and do not necessarily represent the views of AZoM.com Limited T/A AZoNetwork the owner and operator of this website. This disclaimer forms part of the Terms and conditions of use of this website.

Bhavna Kaveti

Written by

Bhavna Kaveti

Bhavna Kaveti is a science writer based in Hyderabad, India. She has a Masters in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from Vellore Institute of Technology, India, and a Ph.D. in Organic and Medicinal Chemistry from Universidad de Guanajuato, Mexico. Her research work involved designing and synthesizing heterocycle-based bioactive molecules, where she had exposure to both multistep and multicomponent synthesis. During her doctoral studies, she worked on synthesizing various linked and fused heterocycle-based peptidomimetic molecules that are anticipated to have a bioactive potential for further functionalization. While working on her thesis and research papers, she explored her passion for scientific writing and communications.

Citations

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    Kaveti, Bhavna. (2022, October 24). Nanotribological Study of a-Si:H Thin Films and NEMs Implications. AZoNano. Retrieved on October 10, 2024 from https://www.azonano.com/news.aspx?newsID=39826.

  • MLA

    Kaveti, Bhavna. "Nanotribological Study of a-Si:H Thin Films and NEMs Implications". AZoNano. 10 October 2024. <https://www.azonano.com/news.aspx?newsID=39826>.

  • Chicago

    Kaveti, Bhavna. "Nanotribological Study of a-Si:H Thin Films and NEMs Implications". AZoNano. https://www.azonano.com/news.aspx?newsID=39826. (accessed October 10, 2024).

  • Harvard

    Kaveti, Bhavna. 2022. Nanotribological Study of a-Si:H Thin Films and NEMs Implications. AZoNano, viewed 10 October 2024, https://www.azonano.com/news.aspx?newsID=39826.

Tell Us What You Think

Do you have a review, update or anything you would like to add to this news story?

Leave your feedback
Your comment type
Submit

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.