Atomic-scale friction of a tungsten tip on a graphite surface

Atomic force microscopy lateral force calibration using a V-shape scratch made by a nanoindenter

Measuring quantitative and accurate friction force at the nanoscale by means of atomic force microscopy is not straightforward. Numerous lateral force calibration methods have been proposed in the last decades. The most popular one is the wedge method that requires a specific calibration sample having areas that present constant slope and friction coefficient. In this paper, we propose to revisit the wedge method by using an original, cheap, and easy-to-make standard, which consists of a V-shaped scratch made by a Berkovich nanoindenter tip on a fused silica substrate. We show that the scratch has two large opposite facets characterized by the same moderate and constant friction coefficient and slope. This allows simplification of the data processing and a much more reliable and accurate lateral force microscopy calibration.

Atomic Force Microscopy Analysis of Velocity Dependent Adhesive Viscoelastic Contact

Adhesive contact phenomena play a crucial role in various scientific and engineering fields. However, considering viscoelasticity, which is essential for understanding practical applications involving soft materials like polymers, makes analysis challenging. Traditional elastic contact models such as the Johnson-Kendall-Roberts and Maugis-Dugdale models often fail to account for viscoelastic behavior. In this study, rate-dependent viscoelastic adhesive contacts were analyzed using atomic force microscopy force-distance curve measurements, comparing the elastic models with the viscoelastic model proposed by Barthel. The force curve analysis, conducted with the Barthel model for the first time, reveals that viscoelastic behaviors inside the contact area and the interaction zone both affect the contact state. These viscoelastic behaviors result in phenomena specific to viscoelastic contact, such as the "stick region" and the apparent work of adhesion. The Barthel model successfully captures the rate dependence of the contact situation, promoting a comprehensive understanding of viscoelastic adhesive contact phenomena.

Shear Anisotropy Domains on Graphene Revealed by In-Plane Elastic Imaging

Anisotropic domains with 180° periodicity are known to be universally present on graphene as well as on other two-dimensional (2D) crystals. The physical origin of the domains and the mechanism of its anisotropy are, however, still unclear. Here, by employing in-plane elastic imaging by torsional resonance atomic force microscopy (TR-AFM), we demonstrate that the observed domains on graphene are of in-plane elastic (shear) anisotropy but not of friction anisotropy as commonly believed. Our results also support that the anisotropic domains originate from self-assembled environmental adsorbates on graphene surfaces. The more densely packed backbone of the highly ordered molecules within a domain defines the major axis of the shear anisotropy of the latter. This work suggests a quantitative understanding of the characteristics of anisotropic domains on 2D materials. It also demonstrates TR-AFM as a powerful tool to study the in-plane elastic anisotropy of materials, including organic molecular crystals.

Nonmonotonic Velocity Dependence of Atomic Friction Induced by Multiple Slips

The transition from single to multiple atomic slips, theoretically expected and important in atomic-scale friction, has never been demonstrated experimentally as a function of velocity. Here we show by high-resolution friction force microscopy on monolayer MoS_{2}/Au(111) that multiple slips leave a unique footprint-a frictional velocity weakening. Specifically, in a wide velocity interval from 10 to 100  nm/s, friction surprisingly decreases. Model simulations show a similar nonmonotonic behavior at velocities in quantitative agreement with experiment. Results suggest a velocity-corrugation phase diagram, whose validity is proposed more generally.

Accurate Simulation for 2D Lubricating Materials in Realistic Environments: From Classical to Quantum Mechanical Methods

2D materials such as graphene, MoS2, and hexagonal BN are the most advanced solid lubricating materials with superior friction and anti-wear performance. However, as a typical surface phenomenon, the lubricating properties of 2D materials are largely dependent on the surrounding environment, such as temperature, stress, humidity, oxygen, and other environmental substances. Given the technical challenges in experiment for real-time and in situ detection of microscopic environment-material interaction, recent years have witnessed the acceleration of computational research on the lubrication behavior of 2D materials in realistic environments. This study reviews the up-to-date computational studies for the effect of environmental factors on the lubrication performance of 2D materials, summarizes the theoretical methods in lubrication from classical to quantum-mechanics ones, and emphasizes the importance of quantum method in revealing the lubrication mechanism at atomic and electronic level. An effective simulation method based on ab initio molecular dynamics is also proposed to try to provide more ways to accurately reveal the friction mechanisms and reliably guide the lubricating material design. On the basis of current development, future prospects, and challenges for the simulation and modeling in lubrication with realistic environment are outlined.

Evolution of the flat band and the role of lattice relaxations in twisted bilayer graphene

Magic-angle twisted bilayer graphene exhibits correlated phenomena such as superconductivity and Mott insulating states related to the weakly dispersing flat band near the Fermi energy. Such a flat band is expected to be sensitive to both the moiré period and lattice relaxations. Thus, clarifying the evolution of the electronic structure with the twist angle is critical for understanding the physics of magic-angle twisted bilayer graphene. Here we combine nano-spot angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy to resolve the fine electronic structure of the flat band and remote bands, as well as their evolution with twist angle from 1.07° to 2.60°. Near the magic angle, the dispersion is characterized by a flat band near the Fermi energy with a strongly reduced band width. Moreover, we observe a spectral weight transfer between remote bands at higher binding energy, which allows to extract the modulated interlayer spacing near the magic angle. Our work provides direct spectroscopic information on flat band physics and highlights the important role of lattice relaxations.

Frictional resistance and delamination mechanisms in 2D tungsten diselenide revealed by multi-scale scratch andin-situobservations

Friction phenomena in two-dimensional (2D) materials are conventionally studied at atomic length scales in a few layers using low-load techniques. However, the advancement of 2D materials for semiconductor and electronic applications requires an understanding of friction and delamination at a few micrometers length scale and hundreds of layers. To bridge this gap, the present study investigates frictional resistance and delamination mechanisms in 2D tungsten diselenide (WSe2) at 10µm length and 100-500 nm depths using an integrated atomic force microscopy (AFM), high-load nanoscratch, andin-situscanning electron microscopic (SEM) observations. AFM revealed a heterogenous distribution of frictional resistance in a single WSe2layer originating from surface ripples, with the mean increasing from 8.7 to 79.1 nN as the imposed force increased from 20 to 80 nN. High-loadin-situnano-scratch tests delineated the role of the individual layers in the mechanism of multi-layer delamination under an SEM. Delamination during scratch consists of stick-slip motion with friction force increasing in each successive slip, manifested as increasing slope of lateral force curves with scratch depth from 10.9 to 13.0 (× 103) Nm-1. Delamination is followed by cyclic fracture of WSe2layers where the puckering effect results in adherence of layers to the nanoscratch probe, increasing the local maximum of lateral force from 89.3 to 205.6µN. This establishment of the interconnectedness between friction in single-layer and delamination at hundreds of layers harbors the potential for utilizing these materials in semiconductor devices with reduced energy losses and enhanced performance.

Bearingless Inertial Rotational Stage for Atomic Force Microscopy

We introduce a novel rotational stage based on inertial motion, designed to be lightweight, compact, and fully compatible with atomic force microscopy (AFM) systems. Our characterization of this stage demonstrates high angular precision, achieving a maximum rotational speed of 0.083 rad/s and a minimum angular step of 11.8 μrad. The stage exhibits reliable performance, maintaining continuous operation for extended periods. When tested within an AFM setup, the stage deliveres excellent results, confirming its efficacy for scanning probe microscopy studies.

Atomic Defect Quantification by Lateral Force Microscopy

Atomic defects in two-dimensional (2D) materials impact electronic and optoelectronic properties, such as doping and single photon emission. An understanding of defect-property relationships is essential for optimizing material performance. However, progress in understanding these critical relationships is hindered by a lack of straightforward approaches for accurate, precise, and reliable defect quantification on the nanoscale, especially for insulating materials. Here, we demonstrate that lateral force microscopy (LFM), a mechanical technique, can observe atomic defects in semiconducting and insulating 2D materials under ambient conditions. We first improve the sensitivity of LFM through consideration of cantilever mechanics. With the improved sensitivity, we use LFM to locate atomic-scale point defects on the surface of bulk MoSe2. By directly comparing LFM and conductive atomic force microscopy (CAFM) measurements on bulk MoSe2, we demonstrate that point defects observed with LFM are atomic defects in the crystal. As a mechanical technique, LFM does not require a conductive pathway, which allows defect characterization on insulating materials, such as hexagonal boron nitride (hBN). We demonstrate the ability to observe intrinsic defects in hBN and defects introduced by annealing. Our demonstration of LFM as a mechanical defect characterization technique applicable to both conductive and insulating 2D materials will enable routine defect-property determination and accelerate materials research.

Reexamination of Damping in Sliding Friction

Friction is responsible for about one-third of the primary energy consumption in the world. So far, a thorough atomistic understanding of the frictional energy dissipation mechanisms is still lacking. The Amontons' law states that kinetic friction is independent of the sliding velocity while the Prandtl-Tomlinson model suggests that damping is proportional to the relative sliding velocity between two contacting objects. Through careful analysis of the energy dissipation process in atomic force microscopy measurements, here we propose that damping force is proportional to the tip oscillation speed induced by friction. It is shown that a physically well-founded damping term can better reproduce the multiple peaks in the velocity-dependent friction force observed in both experiments and molecular dynamics simulations. Importantly, the analysis gives a clear physical picture of the dynamics of energy dissipation in different friction phases, which provides insight into long-standing puzzles in sliding friction, such as velocity weakening and spring-stiffness-dependent friction.

Atomic Friction Processes of Two-Dimensional Materials

In this Perspective, we present the recent advances in atomic friction measured of two-dimensional materials obtained by friction force microscopy. Starting with the atomic-scale stick-slip behavior, a beautiful highly nonequilibrium process, we discuss the main factors that contribute to determine sliding friction between single asperity and a two-dimensional sheet including chemical identity of material, thickness, external load, sliding direction, velocity/temperature, and contact size. In particular, we focus on the latest progress of the more complex friction behavior of moiré systems involving 2D layered materials. The underlying mechanisms of these frictional characteristics observed during the sliding process by theoretical and computational studies are also discussed. Finally, a discussion and outlook on the perspective of this field are provided.

Non-contact non-resonant atomic force microscopy method for measurements of highly mobile molecules and nanoparticles

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is nowadays indispensable versatile scanning probe method widely employed for fundamental and applied research in physics, chemistry, biology as well as industrial metrology. Conventional AFM systems can operate in various environments such as ultra-high vacuum, electrolyte solutions, or controlled gas atmosphere. Measurements in ambient air are prevalent due to their technical simplicity; however, there are drawbacks such as formation of water meniscus that greatly increases attractive interaction (adhesion) between the tip and the sample, reduced spatial resolution, and too strong interactions leading to tip and/or sample modifications. Here we show how the attractive forces in AFM under ambient conditions can be used with advantage to probe surface properties in a very sensitive way even on highly mobile molecules and nanoparticles. We introduce a stable non-contact non-resonant (NCNR) AFM method which enables to reliably perform measurements in the attractive force regime even in air by controlling the tip position in the intimate surface vicinity without touching it. We demonstrate proof-of-concept results on helicene-based macrocycles, DNA on mica, and nanodiamonds on SiO2. We compare the results with other conventional AFM regimes, showing NCNR advantages such as higher spatial resolution, reduced tip contamination, and negligible sample modification. We analyze principle physical and chemical mechanisms influencing the measurements, discuss issues of stability and various possible method implementations. We explain how the NCNR method can be applied in any AFM system by a mere software modification. The method thus opens a new research field for measurements of highly sensitive and mobile nanoscale objects under air and other environments.

Statistical laws of stick-slip friction at mesoscale

Friction between two rough solid surfaces often involves local stick-slip events occurring at different locations of the contact interface. If the apparent contact area is large, multiple local slips may take place simultaneously and the total frictional force is a sum of the pinning forces imposed by many asperities on the interface. Here, we report a systematic study of stick-slip friction over a mesoscale contact area using a hanging-beam lateral atomic-force-microscope, which is capable of resolving frictional force fluctuations generated by individual slip events and measuring their statistical properties at the single-slip resolution. The measured probability density functions (PDFs) of the slip length δxs, the maximal force Fc needed to trigger the local slips, and the local force gradient [Formula: see text] of the asperity-induced pinning force field provide a comprehensive statistical description of stick-slip friction that is often associated with the avalanche dynamics at a critical state. In particular, the measured PDF of δxs obeys a power law distribution and the power-law exponent is explained by a new theoretical model for the under-damped spring-block motion under a Brownian-correlated pinning force field. This model provides a long-sought physical mechanism for the avalanche dynamics in stick-slip friction at mesoscale.

Effect of Amorphous-Crystalline Phase Transition on Superlubric Sliding

Structural superlubricity describes the state of greatly reduced friction between incommensurate atomically flat surfaces. Theory predicts that, in the superlubric state, the remaining friction sensitively depends on the exact structural configuration. In particular the friction of amorphous and crystalline structures for, otherwise, identical interfaces should be markedly different. Here, we measure friction of antimony nanoparticles on graphite as a function of temperature between 300 and 750 K. We observe a characteristic change of friction when passing the amorphous-crystalline phase transition above 420 K, which shows irreversibility upon cooling. The friction data is modeled with a combination of an area scaling law and a Prandtl-Tomlinson type temperature activation. We find that the characteristic scaling factor γ, which is a fingerprint of the structural state of the interface, is reduced by 20% when passing the phase transition. This validates the concept that structural superlubricity is determined by the effectiveness of atomic force canceling processes.

Nanoscale Friction across the First-Order Charge Density Wave Phase Transition of 1T-TaS2

Nanotribology using atomic force microscopy (AFM) can be considered as a unique approach to analyze phase transition materials by localized mechanical interaction. In this work, we investigate friction on the lamellar transition metal dichalcogenide 1T-TaS₂, which can undergo first-order charge density wave (CDW) phase transitions. Based on temperature-dependent atomic force microscopy under ultrahigh vacuum conditions (UHV), we can characterize the general friction levels across the first-order phase transitions and for the different phases. While structural and electronic properties for different phases appear to be of minor influence on friction, a distinct peak in friction is observed during the phase transition when cooling the sample from the nearly commensurate CDW (NC-CDW) phase to the commensurate CDW (C-CDW) phase. By performing systematic measurements as a function of load, scan velocity, and scan time, a recently proposed friction mechanism can be corroborated, where the AFM tip gradually induces local transformations of the material close to the spinodal point in a thermally activated and shear-assisted process until the surface is fully "harvested". Our results demonstrate that repeated nanomechanical stress can trigger local first-order phase transitions constituting a so far little explored mechanical energy dissipation channel.

Intercalation leads to inverse layer dependence of friction on chemically doped MoS2

We present results of atomic-force-microscopy-based friction measurements on Re-doped molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂). In stark contrast to the widespread observation of decreasing friction with increasing number of layers on two-dimensional (2D) materials, friction on Re-doped MoS₂exhibits an anomalous, i.e. inverse, dependence on the number of layers. Raman spectroscopy measurements combined withab initiocalculations reveal signatures of Re intercalation. Calculations suggest an increase in out-of-plane stiffness that inversely correlates with the number of layers as the physical mechanism behind this remarkable observation, revealing a distinctive regime of puckering for 2D materials.

Scalable Synthesis and Characterization of Multilayer γ-Graphyne, New Carbon Crystals with a Small Direct Band Gap

γ-Graphyne is the most symmetric sp²/sp¹ allotrope of carbon, which can be viewed as graphene uniformly expanded through the insertion of two-carbon acetylenic units between all the aromatic rings. To date, synthesis of bulk γ-graphyne has remained a challenge. We here report the synthesis of multilayer γ-graphyne through crystallization-assisted irreversible cross-coupling polymerization. A comprehensive characterization of this new carbon phase is described, including synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction, electron diffraction, lateral force microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. Experiments indicate that γ-graphyne is a 0.48 eV band gap semiconductor, with a hexagonal a-axis spacing of 6.88 Å and an interlayer spacing of 3.48 Å, which is consistent with theoretical predictions. The observed crystal structure has an aperiodic sheet stacking. The material is thermally stable up to 240 °C but undergoes transformation at higher temperatures. While conventional 2D polymerization and reticular chemistry rely on error correction through reversibility, we demonstrate that a periodic covalent lattice can be synthesized under purely kinetic control. The reported methodology is scalable and inspires extension to other allotropes of the graphyne family.

Will Polycrystalline Platinum Tip Sliding on a Gold(111) Surface Produce Regular Stick-Slip Friction?

Friction measurements by an atomic force microscope (AFM) frequently showed regular stick-slip friction signals with atomic-scale resolutions. Typically, for an AFM metal tip sliding on a metal crystal surface, the microstructure of the tip made from the thermally evaporated metal coating on a silicon cantilever was polycrystalline. Our detailed molecular dynamics(MD) simulations of a polycrystalline Pt tip (R = 10 nm in radius) sliding on an Au(111) surface revealed how the geometry of the polycrystalline tip took effect on the friction behavior at the contact interface. We found that the apex of the Pt tip with multiple grains near the edge of contact could induce severe plastic deformations of the gold substrate, leading to irregular stick-slip frictions upon sliding. Simulation results showed that in order to achieve a clear stick-slip friction signal with single atomic slips, the apex of the Pt tip must adopt a single crystalline protrusion without any neighboring grains involved in the metal contact. We showed that such a single crystalline protrusion, which presumably could be achieved during initial run-in or wear-out of high-energy Pt atoms in the neighboring grains, was passivated by a large number of gold atoms due to metal adhesion in the contact periphery. Using such a crystalline protrusion tip, we demonstrated that the stick-slip friction produced was very "tolerant" to the adhesion of a large number of gold atoms on the tip apex. We further showed that AFM tip mass used in MD simulations also played an important role in determining the transition between friction regimes, which could be well explained by the Prandtl-Tomlinson thermal activation model.

Dual-Scale Stick-Slip Friction on Graphene/h-BN Moiré Superlattice Structure

Using atomic force microscopy, we have shown that friction on graphene/h-BN superlattice structures may exhibit unusual moiré-scale stick slip in addition to the regular ones observed at the atomic scale. Such dual-scale slip instability will lead to unique length-scale dependent energy dissipation when the different slip mechanisms are sequentially activated. Assisted by an improved theoretical model and comparative experiments, we find that accumulation and unstable release of the in-plane strain of the graphene layer is the key mechanism underlying the moiré-scale behavior. This work highlights the distinct role of the internal state of the van der Waals interfaces in determining the rich dynamics and energy dissipation of layer-structured materials.

Accurate Atomic-Scale Imaging of Two-Dimensional Lattices Using Atomic Force Microscopy in Ambient Conditions

To facilitate the rapid development of van der Waals materials and heterostructures, scanning probe methods capable of nondestructively visualizing atomic lattices and moiré superlattices are highly desirable. Lateral force microscopy (LFM), which measures nanoscale friction based on the commonly available atomic force microscopy (AFM), can be used for imaging a wide range of two-dimensional (2D) materials, but imaging atomic lattices using this technique is difficult. Here, we examined a number of the common challenges encountered in LFM experiments and presented a universal protocol for obtaining reliable atomic-scale images of 2D materials under ambient environment. By studying a series of LFM images of graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), we have found that the accuracy and the contrast of atomic-scale images critically depended on several scanning parameters including the scan size and the scan rate. We applied this protocol to investigate the atomic structure of the ripped and self-folded edges of graphene and have found that these edges were mostly in the armchair direction. This finding is consistent with the results of several simulations results. Our study will guide the extensive effort on assembly and characterization of new 2D materials and heterostructures.

Accelerated Wear Test Design Based on Dissipation Wear Model Entropy Analysis under Mixed Lubrication

Theoretical life prediction of tribo-pairs such as seals, bearings and gears with the failure form of wear under mixed lubrication depends on quantitative analysis of wear. Correspondingly, the wear life test depends on an accelerated wear test method to save the time and financial costs. Therefore, the theoretical basis of accelerated test design is a wear model providing a quantitative relationship between equivalents and accelerated test duration. In this paper, an accelerated wear test design method based on dissipation wear model entropy analysis under mixed lubrication is proposed. Firstly, the dissipation wear model under mixed lubrication is verified by standard experiments as a theoretical basis. Then, an accelerated wear test design method is proposed, taking the entropy increase in the dissipation wear model as an equivalent. The verification test shows that 20 times acceleration could be reached by adjustment of the entropy increase rate. The effect of entropy increase rate gradient of duty parameters is also discussed, revealing the fastest acceleration direction. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed method are discussed. The results in this paper are expected to contribute to long life predictions of tribo-pairs.

Effects of polyacrylic acid molecular weights on V2C-MXene nanocoatings for obtaining ultralow friction and ultralow wear in an ambient working environment

Ultralow friction (μ ≈ 0.073 ± 0.024) is achieved for the LPAA@V2C vs. steel ball system through tribo-physicochemical interactions.

Structural superlubricity in 2D van der Waals heterojunctions

Structural superlubricity is a fundamentally important research topic in the area of tribology. Van der Waals heterojunctions of 2D materials are an ideal system for achieving structural superlubricity and possessing potentially a wide range of applications in the future due to their ultra-flat and incommensurate crystal interfaces. Here we briefly introduce the origin and mechanism of structural superlubricity and summarize the representative experimental results, in which the coefficient of friction has achieved the order of 10^-5. Furthermore, we analyze the factors affecting structural superlubricity of 2D materials, including dynamic reconstruction of interfaces, edge effects, interfacial adsorption, etc, and give a perspective on how to realize the macroscopic expansion and where it can be applied in practice.

Calculation and AFM Experimental Research on Slip Friction for Unlubricated Spherical Contact with Roughness Effect

Previous research on friction calculation models has mainly focused on static friction, whereas sliding friction calculation models are rarely reported. In this paper, a novel sliding friction model for realizing a dry spherical flat contact with a roughness effect at the micro/nano scale is proposed. This model yields the sliding friction by the change in the periodic substrate potential, adopts the basic assumptions of the Greenwood–Williamson random contact model about asperities, and assumes that the contact area between a rigid sphere and a nominal rough flat satisfies the condition of interfacial friction. It subsequently employs a statistical method to determine the total sliding friction force, and finally, the feasibility of this model presented is verified by atomic force microscopy friction experiments. The comparison results show that the deviations of the sliding friction force and coefficient between the theoretical calculated values and the experimental values are in a relatively acceptable range for the samples with a small plasticity index (Ψ≤1).

Phototribology: Control of Friction by Light

In dry sliding, the coefficient of friction depends on the material pair and contact conditions. If the material and operating conditions remain unchanged, the coefficient of friction is constant. Obviously, we can tune friction by surface treatments, but it is a nonreversible process. Here, we report active control of friction forces on TiO₂ thin films under UV light. It is reversible and stable and can be tuned/controlled with the light wavelength. The analysis of atomic force microscopy signals by wavelet spectrograms reveals different mechanisms acting in the darkness and under UV. Ab initio simulations on UV light-exposed TiO₂ show a lower atomic orbital overlapping on the surface, which leads to a friction reduction of up to 60%. We suggest that photocontrol of friction is due to the modification of atomic orbital interactions from both surfaces at the sliding interface.

Linescan Lattice Microscopy: A Technique for the Accurate Measurement and Mapping of Lattice Spacing and Strain with Atomic Force Microscopy

Lateral resolution and accuracy in scanning probe microscopies are limited by the nonideality of piezoelectric scanning elements due to phenomena including nonlinearity, hysteresis, and creep. By taking advantage of the well-established atomic-scale stick-slip phenomenon in contact-mode atomic force microscopy, we have developed a method for simultaneously indexing and measuring the spacing of surface atomic lattices using only Fourier analysis of unidirectional linescan data. The first step of the technique is to calibrate the X-piezo response using the stick-slip behavior itself. This permits lateral calibration to better than 1% error between 2.5 nm and 9 μm, without the use of calibration gratings. Lattice indexing and lattice constant determination are demonstrated in this way on the NaCl(001) crystal surface. After piezo calibration, lattice constant measurement on a natural bulk MoS₂(0001) surface is demonstrated with better than 0.2% error. This is used to measure nonuniform thermal mismatch strain for chemical vapor deposition (CVD)-grown monolayer MoS₂ as small as 0.5%. A spatial mapping technique for the lattice spacing is developed and demonstrated, with absolute accuracy better than 0.2% and relative accuracy better than 0.1%, within a map of 12.5 × 12.5 nm² pixels using bulk highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) and MoS₂ as reference materials.

Insight Into the Superlubricity and Self-Assembly of Liquid Crystals

Liquid crystals are promising molecular materials in the application of lubrication. Herein, the microscale solid superlubricity is accomplished by the construction of uniform and ordered self-assembly of several liquid crystals. The self-assembly structures on a highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) surface are explicitly revealed by using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Meanwhile, the nanotribological performance of the self-assemblies are measured by using atomic force microscopy (AFM), revealing ultralow friction coefficients lower than 0.01. The interaction energies are calculated by density functional theory (DFT) method, indicating the positive correlation between friction coefficients and interaction strength. The effort on the self-assembly and superlubricity of liquid crystals could enhance the understanding of the nanotribological mechanism and benefit the further application of liquid crystals as lubricants.

Stochastic thermodynamics of nanoscale friction

Developing the thermodynamics of nanoscale friction is needed in a wide range of tribological applications, where the key objective is to optimally control the energy dissipation. Here we show that modern stochastic thermodynamics allows us to interpret the measurements obtained by friction force microscopy, which is the standard tool for investigating the frictional properties of materials, in terms of basic thermodynamics concepts such as fluctuating work and entropy. We show that this allows the identification of the heat produced during the friction process as an unambiguous measure of thermodynamic irreversibility. We have applied this procedure to quantify the heat produced during the frictional sliding in a broad velocity range, and we observe velocity-dependent scaling behavior, which is useful for interpreting the experimental outcomes.

Amplitude nanofriction spectroscopy

Atomic scale friction, an indispensable element of nanotechnology, requires a direct access to, under actual growing shear stress, its successive live phases: from static pinning, to depinning and transient evolution, eventually ushering in steady state kinetic friction. Standard tip-based atomic force microscopy generally addresses the steady state, but the prior intermediate steps are much less explored. Here we present an experimental and simulation approach, where an oscillatory shear force of increasing amplitude leads to a one-shot investigation of all these successive aspects. Demonstration with controlled gold nanocontacts sliding on graphite uncovers phenomena that bridge the gap between initial depinning and large speed sliding, of potential relevance for atomic scale time and magnitude dependent rheology.

Frontiers in nanotribology: Magnetic storage, bio/nanotechnology, cosmetics, and bioinspiration

The word "nanotribology" was introduced for the first time in the title of a paper and a book in 1995. This field encompasses fundamental studies of surface characterization, adhesion, friction, scratching, wear, and lubrication at the atomic scale. At most solid-solid interfaces of technological relevance, contact occurs at numerous asperities. It is of importance to investigate a single asperity contact in the fundamental tribological studies. A nanoprobe sliding on a surface in probe-based microscopies, including atomic force microscopy (AFM) at ultralow loads, simulates one such contact. AFMs and depth-sensing nanoindentation techniques are also used for nanomechanical characterization. The field is referred to as nanomechanics. AFMs can also be used for nanoelectrical characterization which includes electrical resistance, surface potential, and capacitance mapping. Research in the field of nanotribology and nanomechanics was initiated by or for the magnetic storage industry in the late 1980s. Later in the mid-1990s, nanotribology and nanomechanics research became important in bio/nanotechnology devices which involve relative motion, as well as ultrathin films. Adhesion, friction and wear issues in bio/nanotechnology devices led to the development of the field of bio/nanotribology. Research in ultrathin films used in the cosmetic industry, including hair, hair conditioner, skin, and skin cream, led to development of the field of nanotribology in cosmetics. Biologically inspired design, adaptation, or derivation from nature, referred to as biomimetics or bioinspiration, can guide us to initiate and produce nanomaterials, nanodevices, and processes in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. So called, green nanotribology research is important in this field. This perspective article presents an overview of fundamental understanding of nanotribology and nanomechanics and their applications in various fields ranging from magnetic storage, bio/nanotechnology, hair and hair conditioner, skin and skin cream, and bioinspiration (green nanotribology).

High-Resolution Photonic Force Microscopy Based on Sharp Nanofabricated Tips

Although near-field imaging techniques reach sub-nanometer resolution on rigid samples, it remains extremely challenging to image soft interfaces, such as biological membranes, due to the deformations induced by the probe. In photonic force microscopy, optical tweezers are used to manipulate and measure the scanning probe, allowing imaging of soft materials without force-induced artifacts. However, the size of the optically trapped probe still limits the maximum resolution. Here, we show a novel and simple nanofabrication protocol to massively produce optically trappable quartz particles which mimic the sharp tips of atomic force microscopy. Imaging rigid nanostructures with our tips, we resolve features smaller than 80 nm. Scanning the membrane of living malaria-infected red blood cells reveals, with no visible artifacts, submicron features termed knobs, related to the parasite activity. The use of nanoengineered particles in photonic force microscopy opens the way to imaging soft samples at high resolution.

Strumming a Single Chemical Bond

Atomic force microscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy can image the internal structure of molecules adsorbed on surfaces. One reliable method is to terminate the tip with a nonreactive adsorbate, often a single CO molecule, and to collect data at a close distance where Pauli repulsion plays a strong role. Lateral force microscopy, in which the tip oscillates laterally, probes similar interactions but has the unique ability to pull the CO over a chemical bond, load it as a torsional spring, and release it as it snaps over with each oscillation cycle. This produces measurable energy dissipation. The dissipation has a characteristic decay length in the vertical direction of 4 pm, which is 13 times smaller than the decay length in typical STM or AFM experiments.

Superlubricity of Fullerene Derivatives Induced by Host-Guest Assembly

Fullerenes have been recognized as good candidates for solid lubricants. In this study, the microscale superlubricity of fullerene derivatives was accomplished by the construction of regular host-guest assembly structures. Herein, the host-guest assembly structures of fullerene derivatives were successfully constructed on a highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) surface by introducing the macrocycles as the templates and were explicitly revealed by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Meanwhile, the nanotribological properties of the host-guest assemblies were measured using atomic force microscopy (AFM), revealing ultralow friction coefficients of 0.003-0.008, which could be attributed to the restriction on removal of fullerene molecules after introducing the templates. The interaction energies were calculated by density functional theory (DFT) method, which indicates the correlation between friction coefficients and interaction strength in the host-guest assemblies. The effort on fullerene-related superlubricity could extend the solid superlubrication systems and provide a novel pathway to explore the friction mechanisms at the molecular level.

Probing the frictional properties of soft materials at the nanoscale

The understanding of friction in soft materials is of increasing importance due to the demands of industries such as healthcare, biomedical, food and personal care, the incorporation of soft materials into technology, and in the study of interacting biological interfaces. Many of these processes occur at the nanoscale, but even at micrometer length scales there are fundamental aspects of tribology that remain poorly understood. With the advent of Friction Force Microscopy (FFM), there have been many fundamental insights into tribological phenomena at the atomic scale, such as 'stick-slip' and 'super-lubricity'. This review examines the growing field of soft tribology, the experimental aspects of FFM and its underlying theory. Moving to the nanoscale changes the contact mechanics which govern adhesive forces, which in turn play a pivotal role in friction, along with the deformation of the soft interface and dissipative phenomena. We examine recent progress and future prospects in soft nanotribology.

Atomic-Scale Friction on Monovacancy-Defective Graphene and Single-Layer Molybdenum-Disulfide by Numerical Analysis

Using numerical simulations, we study the atomic-scale frictional behaviors of monovacancy-defective graphene and single-layer molybdenum-disulfide (SLMoS₂) based on the classical Prandtl–Tomlinson (PT) model with a modified interaction potential considering the Schwoebel–Ehrlich barrier. Due to the presence of a monovacancy defect on the surface, the frictional forces were significantly enhanced. The effects of the PT model parameters on the frictional properties of monovacancy-defective graphene and SLMoS₂ were analyzed, and it showed that the spring constant of the pulling spring c_x is the most influential parameter on the stick–slip motion in the vicinity of the vacancy defect. Besides, monovacancy-defective SLMoS₂ is found to be more sensitive to the stick–slip motion at the vacancy defect site than monovacancy-defective graphene, which can be attributed to the complicated three-layer-sandwiched atomic structure of SLMoS₂. The result suggests that the soft tip with a small spring constant can be an ideal candidate for the observation of stick–slip behaviors of the monovacancy-defective surface. This study can fill the gap in atomic-scale friction experiments and molecular dynamics simulations of 2D materials with vacancy-related defects.

Integrated QCM-Microtribometry: Friction of Single-Crystal MoS2 and Gold from μm/s to m/s

Two opposing microtribometry approaches have been developed over the past decade to help connect the dots between fundamental and practical tribology measurements: spring-based (e.g., AFM) approaches use low speed, low stiffness, and long relative slip length to quantify friction, while quartz crystal microbalance (QCM)-based approaches use high speed, high stiffness, and short relative slip length. Because the friction forces generated in these experiments are attributed to entirely different phenomena, it is unclear if or how the resulting friction forces are related. This study aims to resolve this uncertainty by integrating these distinct techniques into a single apparatus that allows two independent measurements of friction at a single interface. Alumina microspheres were tested against single-crystal MoS₂, a model nominally wear-free solid lubricant, and gold, a model metal control, at loads between 0.01 and 1 mN. The combined results from both measurement approaches gave friction coefficients (mean ± standard error) of 0.087 ± 0.007 and 0.27 ± 0.02 for alumina-MoS₂ and alumina-gold, respectively. The observed agreement between these methods for two different material systems suggests that friction in microscale contacts can be far less sensitive to external effects from compliance and slip speed than currently thought. Perhaps more importantly, this Article describes and validates a novel approach to closing the "tribology gap" while demonstrating how integration creates new opportunities for fundamental studies of practical friction.

Multiscale three-dimensional surface reconstruction and surface roughness of porcine left anterior descending coronary arteries

The aim of this study was to investigate the multiscale surface roughness characteristics of coronary arteries, to aid in the development of novel biomaterials and bioinspired medical devices. Porcine left anterior descending coronary arteries were dissected ex vivo, and specimens were chemically fixed and dehydrated for testing. Surface roughness was calculated from three-dimensional reconstructed surface images obtained by optical, scanning electron and atomic force microscopy, ranging in magnification from 10× to 5500×. Circumferential surface roughness decreased with magnification, and microscopy type was found to influence surface roughness values. Longitudinal surface roughness was not affected by magnification or microscopy types within the parameters of this study. This study found that coronary arteries exhibit multiscale characteristics. It also highlights the importance of ensuring consistent microscopy parameters to provide comparable surface roughness values.

Friction vs. Area Scaling of Superlubric NaCl-Particles on Graphite

Structural lubricity is an intriguing tribological concept, where extremely low friction is anticipated, if two surfaces in relative motion do not share the same lattice structure and consequently instabilities originating from interlocking surface potentials are strongly reduced. Currently, the challenges related to the phenomenon of structural lubricity are considered to be twofold. On one hand, experimental systems suitable for showing structural lubricity must be identified, while at the same time, it is also crucial to understand the intricate details of interface interaction. Here, we introduce a new material combination, namely NaCl-particles on highly oriented pyrolithic graphite (HOPG), where the nanoparticles coalesce under the influence of ambient humidity. Our experiments reveal that the interfacial friction can be described by the concept of structural lubricity despite the seemingly unavoidable contamination of the interface. By systematically analyzing the friction versus area scaling, this unlikely candidate for structural lubricity then shows two separate friction branches, with distinct differences of the friction versus area scaling. The exact tribological behavior of the nanoparticles can ultimately be understood by a model that considers the influence of nanoparticle preparation on the interface conditions. By taking into account an inevitable water layer at the interface between particle and substrate that can exist in different crystalline configurations all friction phenomena observed in the experiments can be understood.

Chemical and physical origins of friction on surfaces with atomic steps

Friction occurs through a complex set of processes that act together to resist relative motion. However, despite this complexity, friction is typically described using a simple phenomenological expression that relates normal and lateral forces via a coefficient, the friction coefficient. This one parameter encompasses multiple, sometimes competing, effects. To better understand the origins of friction, here, we study a chemically and topographically well-defined interface between silica and graphite with a single-layer graphene step edge. We identify the separate contributions of physical and chemical processes to friction and show that a single friction coefficient can be separated into two terms corresponding to these effects. The findings provide insight into the chemical and topographic origins of friction and suggest means of tuning surfaces by leveraging competing frictional processes.

Solid Lubrication with MoS2: A Review

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is one of the most broadly utilized solid lubricants with a wide range of applications, including but not limited to those in the aerospace/space industry. Here we present a focused review of solid lubrication with MoS2 by highlighting its structure, synthesis, applications and the fundamental mechanisms underlying its lubricative properties, together with a discussion of their environmental and temperature dependence. The review also includes an extensive overview of the structure and tribological properties of doped MoS2, followed by a discussion of potential future research directions.

The interplay between drift and electrical measurement in conduction atomic force microscopy

In Conduction Atomic Force Microscopy (CAFM), it is sometimes required to monitor electrical data at a single location over an extended period of time. However, thermal drift of the microscope will cause the tip to move with respect to the sample and thus limit the collection of data. We investigate a method to prolong the time a tip dwells at a location by choosing the AFM cantilever to have small spring constants in the lateral directions. The basis of the approach is that the tip can only move (or slip) once the lateral forces caused by drift overcome the friction force pinning the tip to the surface. We demonstrate the effect experimentally using platinum wire tips and diamond coated tips on SiO₂ and HfO₂ dielectric films. Simultaneous measurement of the current flow and lateral force signals show that the onset of tip slipping correlates with the beginning of a decrease in the measured current flow, and the onset of slip is prolonged for blunt tips or cantilevers having soft lateral spring constants. The approach not only provides a way to improve the CAFM method for time dependent measurements but also assists in interpreting CAFM data in the presence of drift.

Solids Under Extreme Shear: Friction-Mediated Subsurface Structural Transformations

Tribological contacts consume a significant amount of the world's primary energy due to friction and wear in different products from nanoelectromechanical systems to bearings, gears, and engines. The energy is largely dissipated in the material underneath the two surfaces sliding against each other. This subsurface material is thereby exposed to extreme amounts of shear deformation and often forms layered subsurface microstructures with reduced grain size. Herein, the elementary mechanisms for the formation of subsurface microstructures are elucidated by systematic model experiments and discrete dislocation dynamics simulations in dry frictional contacts. The simulations show how pre-existing dislocations transform into prismatic dislocation structures under tribological loading. The stress field under a moving spherical contact and the crystallographic orientation are crucial for the formation of these prismatic structures. Experimentally, a localized dislocation structure at a depth of ≈100-150 nm is found already after the first loading pass. This dislocation structure is shown to be connected to the inhomogeneous stress field under the moving contact. The subsequent microstructural transformations and the mechanical properties of the surface layer are determined by this structure. These results hold promise at guiding material selection and alloy development for tribological loading, yielding materials tailored for specific tribological scenarios.

Design of Friction, Morphology, Wetting, and Protein Affinity by Cellulose Blend Thin Film Composition

Cellulose derivate phase separation in thin films was applied to generate patterned films with distinct surface morphology. Patterned polymer thin films are utilized in electronics, optics, and biotechnology but films based on bio-polymers are scarce. Film formation, roughness, wetting, and patterning are often investigated when it comes to characterization of the films. Frictional properties, on the other hand, have not been studied extensively. We extend the fundamental understanding of spin coated complex cellulose blend films via revealing their surface friction using Friction Force Microscopy (FFM). Two cellulose derivatives were transformed into two-phase blend films with one phase comprising trimethyl silyl cellulose (TMSC) regenerated to cellulose with hydroxyl groups exposed to the film surface. Adjusting the volume fraction of the spin coating solution resulted in variation of the surface fraction with the other, hydroxypropylcellulose stearate (HPCE) phase. The film morphology confirmed lateral and vertical separation and was translated into effective surface fraction. Phase separation as well as regeneration contributed to the surface morphology resulting in roughness variation of the blend films from 1.1 to 19.8 nm depending on the film composition. Friction analysis was successfully established, and then revealed that the friction coefficient of the films could be tuned and the blend films exhibited lowered friction force coefficient compared to the single-component films. Protein affinity of the films was investigated with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and depended mainly on the surface free energy (SFE) while no direct correlation with roughness or friction was found. BSA adsorption on film formed with 1:1 spinning solution volume ratio was an outlier and exhibited unexpected minimum in adsorption.

Investigation on the role of interfacial water on the tribology between graphite and metals

We investigated the role of interfacial water on the atomic-scale tribology of graphite by contact atomic force microscopy. Upon the approach of Au and Pt tips toward graphite in water, the hydration layers on the respective surfaces interact with each other. This results in a discontinuous motion of the metallic tips towards the graphite surface. Snap-in forces measured with Au and Pt tips scale with their respective water adsorption energies. Moreover, we observed significant differences for the atomic-scale friction between the Au and Pt tips and graphite in water. The atomic-scale sliding friction between an Au tip and graphite is characterized by low friction forces (F _f < 1 nN in the range of normal force values F _n = 1-10 nN) and by a periodic stick-slip that corresponds to the honeycomb structure of graphite. With a Pt tip, the sliding friction on graphite in water is characterized by high friction forces (F _f ≈ 5 nN in the range of normal force values F _n = 1-10 nN) and by an atomic-scale stick-slip whose characteristic lengths may correspond to an ordered water adsorption layer between platinum and graphite.