Moiré superlattices arising from growth induced by screw dislocations in layered materials

Moiré superlattices (MSLs) are modulated structures produced from homogeneous or heterogeneous two-dimensional layers stacked with a twist angle and/or lattice mismatch. Enriching the methods for fabricating MSL and realizing the unique emergent properties are key challenges in its investigation. Here we recommend that the spiral dislocation driven growth is another optional method for the preparation of high quality MSL samples. The spiral structure stabilizes the constant out-of-plane lattice distance, causing the variations in electronic and optical properties. Taking SnS₂ MSL as an example, we find prominent properties including large band gap reduction (∼ 0.4 eV) and enhanced optical activity. First-principles calculations reveal that these unusual properties can be ascribed to the locally enhanced interlayer interaction associated with the Moiré potential modulation. We believe that the spiral dislocation driven growth would be a powerful method to expand the MSL family and broaden their scope of application.