Nanofriction Properties of Mono- and Double-Layer Ti3C2Tx MXenes

Controllable interface-tailored strategy to reduce the nanotribological properties of Ti3C2Txby depositing MoS2using atomic layer deposition

Ti3C2TxMXene has attracted widespread attention in lubrication owing to its unique structure and surface properties. However, the inferior nanotribological properties of Ti3C2Txstill limit its applications in nano lubricants. Herein, we propose a controllable interface-tailored strategy to reduce the nanotribological properties of Ti3C2Txby depositing MoS2nano-sheet on its surface using atomic layer deposition (ALD). The nanotribological properties of the MoS2/Ti3C2Txnanocomposites synthesized by ALD are studied by atomic force microscope for the first time. At the optimal 20 ALD MoS2cycles, the nanofriction of MoS2/Ti3C2Txhas been reduced by 57%, 46%, and 44% (at 5, 10, and 15 nN load, respectively), while the adhesion has been reduced by 59%, compared to the original Ti3C2Tx. The results can contribute to understanding of the nanotribological mechanisms of Ti3C2Txcomposites and provide the potential prospects for Ti3C2Txas a nanoscale adjustable lubricant.

Perspectives of 2D MXene Tribology

The large and rapidly growing family of 2D early transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides (MXenes) raises significant interest in the materials science and chemistry of materials communities. Discovered a little more than a decade ago, MXenes have already demonstrated outstanding potential in various applications ranging from energy storage to biology and medicine. The past two years have witnessed increased experimental and theoretical efforts toward studying MXenes' mechanical and tribological properties when used as lubricant additives, reinforcement phases in composites, or solid lubricant coatings. Although research on the understanding of the friction and wear performance of MXenes under dry and lubricated conditions is still in its early stages, it has experienced rapid growth due to the excellent mechanical properties and chemical reactivities offered by MXenes that make them adaptable to being combined with other materials, thus boosting their tribological performance. In this perspective, the most promising results in the area of MXene tribology are summarized, future important problems to be pursued further are outlined, and methodological recommendations that could be useful for experts as well as newcomers to MXenes research, in particular, to the emerging area of MXene tribology, are provided.

Surface-Functionalized Ti3C2Tx MXene as a Kind of Efficient Lubricating Additive for Supramolecular Gel

Low interlaminar shear stress, high mechanical strength, and tunable structure make Ti₃C₂T_x MXene a burgeoning star as solid lubricants and lubricant additives. Although surface modification strategy can improve its compatibility with base oils, it will eventually settle due to gravity. Additionally, base oils are prone to leakage, creep, and volatilization, which limit their application. To address these issues, supramolecular gels with surface-modified Ti₃C₂T_x were conceived. Apart from the lubrication effect, the high thermal conductivity of Ti₃C₂T_x MXene accelerated the phase transition rate of supramolecular gels. The thermal-reversible and creep-resistant properties distinguish them from other conventional lubricants. The tribological tests showed that the 500 solvent neutral (SN) supramolecular gel with 0.10 wt % Ti₃C₂T_x-octadecylphosphonic acid (Ti₃C₂T_x-ODPA) reduced the coefficient of friction (COF) by 46.32% and wear volume by 81.18% compared with pure 500SN oil. Moreover, they also performed well in load-carrying capacity, temperature tolerance, and speed adaptability. This work puts forward a new approach to prepare MXene-based lubricants tailored for some severe lubrication conditions. These exceptional features enable their application in rolling bearings, some gears, and other low maintenance mechanisms.