From structural reconstructions to properties and applications of two-dimensional moiré superlattices

Moiré superlattices formed by twisting two-dimensional (2D) materials have emerged as a versatile platform for exploring exotic electronic and ferroic phenomena. Central to these behaviors is atomic reconstruction—a subtle reorganization of stacking configurations driven by the competition between interlayer and intralayer energies. This process breaks local symmetry, modulates interlayer coupling, and reshapes domain structures, significantly influencing the material’s physical properties. Recent advances in imaging and modeling techniques have revealed how twist angle, lattice mismatch, and external fields collectively govern these reconstructions in both homogeneous and heterogeneous systems. Unlike conventional 2D ferroelectrics, moiré systems feature programmable, topologically protected polarization domains that respond sensitively—yet often linearly—to applied fields. Coupling asymmetric moiré potentials further gives rise to novel electronic phenomena, potentially enabling innovative device concepts such as low-power memory and neuromorphic computing. This perspective emphasizes the fundamental mechanisms of reconstruction and highlights how moiré interface engineering opens new pathways for tunable, multifunctional quantum materials and their applications in advanced devices.
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