Abstract

Sliding bilayers are systems that exploit the possibility of two relatively translating monolayers along a specific direction in real space, such that different stackings could be implemented in the process. This simple approach allows for manipulating the electronic properties of layered materials similarly as in twisted multilayers. In this work, we study the sliding of bilayers composed of one type of monolayer with spatial symmetry described by space group P31m. Using a minimal tight-binding model along with symmetry analysis, we propose two effects that arise in a specific sliding direction. First, we demonstrate sliding-induced control of the band gap magnitude, which produces a metal-insulator transition. In addition, we discuss the potential to achieve a topological adiabatic charge pump for cyclic sliding. For each effect, we also present material implementations using first-principles calculations. Bilayer GaS is selected for the metal-insulator transition and bilayer transition metal dichalcogenide ZrS2 is found to display the topological pump effect. Both realizations show good agreement with the predictions of the model.