Mechanical Properties of MoS2/Graphene Heterostructures

We perform classic molecular dynamics simulations to comparatively investigate the mechanical properties of single-layer MoS2 and a graphene/MoS2/graphene heterostructure under uniaxial tension. We show that the lattice mismatch between MoS2 and graphene will lead to an spontaneous strain energy in the interface. The Young's modulus of MoS2 can be enhanced by a factor of five by sandwiching it between two graphene layers. While the stiffness is enhanced, the yield strain of the MoS2 is reduced due to lateral buckling of the outer graphene layers due to the applied mechanical tension.