Multipurpose Lubricants from Composite Nanomaterials

Emerging technologies have shown increasing dependence on lubrication and wear protection. Composite systems composed of nanoparticles and two-dimensional (2D) materials are well-positioned for potential use as multipurpose liquid lubricants for applications such as electric vehicles or renewable energy systems. Nanoparticle additives, like zirconium dioxide, form thin tribofilms between sliding surfaces that protect the material from mechanical wear. 2D materials, such as phosphorene and MoS₂, have well-controlled chemical composition, nanoparticles showcase low friction through a nanoscrolling mechanism where the 2D material wraps around the nanoparticles. The induced strain further selectively controls the bandgap in 2D materials, useful for electronic applications. This project seeks to investigate the potential of a composite system with tribofilm forming nanoparticles, a reduced friction environment as a result of nanoscrolling, and adjustable electronic and optical properties from 2D material deformation.