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Graphene-Ionic Liquid Thin Film Nanolubricant
María-Dolores Avilés1, Ramón Pamies1, José Sanes1
1Group of Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering, Technical University of Cartagena, Campus Muralla del Mar, 30202 Cartagena, Spain.
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland)
|March 21, 2020
Summary
Adding graphene to ionic liquid (IL) nanolubricants significantly enhances tribological performance. The (IL + G) nanolubricant reduced friction by 40% and prevented wear, unlike neat IL.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Tribology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Ionic liquids (ILs) are explored as advanced lubricants.
- Graphene nanoparticles can enhance lubricant properties.
- Understanding thin-film lubrication is crucial for performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel graphene-based ionic liquid nanolubricant.
- To investigate the tribological behavior of thin lubricant films.
- To compare the performance of neat IL and (IL + G) nanolubricant.
Main Methods:
- Dispersion of graphene (0.5 wt.%) in 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide.
- Spin coating of thin lubricant layers on stainless steel.
- Tribological testing and surface analysis using profilometry, SEM, TEM, EDX, XPS, and Raman spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- Neat IL friction coefficients were independent of film thickness.
- The (IL + G) nanolubricant showed a 40% friction coefficient reduction with decreasing film thickness.
- The (IL + G) nanolubricant prevented wear and surface damage, unlike neat IL.
Conclusions:
- Graphene significantly enhances the tribological properties of ionic liquid lubricants in thin films.
- The (IL + G) nanolubricant offers superior anti-wear and friction-reducing capabilities compared to neat IL.
- This nanolubricant shows promise for applications requiring high-performance thin-film lubrication.
