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Robust microscale structural superlubricity between graphite and nanostructured surface

Author

Listed:
  • Xuanyu Huang

    (Tsinghua University
    Tsinghua University
    Tsinghua University)

  • Tengfei Li

    (Tsinghua University
    Tsinghua University)

  • Jin Wang

    (International School for Advanced Studies)

  • Kai Xia

    (Research Institute of Tsinghua University in Shenzhen)

  • Zipei Tan

    (Tsinghua University
    Tsinghua University)

  • Deli Peng

    (Research Institute of Tsinghua University in Shenzhen)

  • Xiaojian Xiang

    (Research Institute of Tsinghua University in Shenzhen)

  • Bin Liu

    (Tsinghua University)

  • Ming Ma

    (Tsinghua University
    Tsinghua University
    Tsinghua University
    Research Institute of Tsinghua University in Shenzhen)

  • Quanshui Zheng

    (Tsinghua University
    Tsinghua University
    Tsinghua University
    Tsinghua University)

Abstract

Structural superlubricity is a state of nearly zero friction and no wear between two contacted solid surfaces. However, such state has a certain probability of failure due to the edge defects of graphite flake. Here, we achieve robust structural superlubricity state between microscale graphite flakes and nanostructured silicon surfaces under ambient condition. We find that the friction is always less than 1 μN, the differential friction coefficient is on the order of 10−4, without observable wear. This is attributed to the edge warping of graphite flake on the nanostructured surface under concentrated force, which eliminate the edge interaction between the graphite flake and the substrate. This study not only challenges the traditional understanding in tribology and structural superlubricity that rougher surfaces lead to higher friction and lead to wear, thereby reducing roughness requirements, but also demonstrates that a graphite flake with a single crystal surface that does not come into edge contact with the substrate can consistently achieve robust structural superlubricity state with any non-van der Waals material in atmospheric conditions. Additionally, the study provides a general surface modification method that enables the widespread application of structural superlubricity technology in atmospheric environments.

Suggested Citation

  • Xuanyu Huang & Tengfei Li & Jin Wang & Kai Xia & Zipei Tan & Deli Peng & Xiaojian Xiang & Bin Liu & Ming Ma & Quanshui Zheng, 2023. "Robust microscale structural superlubricity between graphite and nanostructured surface," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-11, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:14:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-023-38680-6
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38680-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Shu-Wei Liu & Hua-Ping Wang & Qiang Xu & Tian-Bao Ma & Gui Yu & Chenhui Zhang & Dechao Geng & Zhiwei Yu & Shengguang Zhang & Wenzhong Wang & Yuan-Zhong Hu & Hui Wang & Jianbin Luo, 2017. "Robust microscale superlubricity under high contact pressure enabled by graphene-coated microsphere," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 8(1), pages 1-8, April.
    2. Xuanyu Huang & Xiaojian Xiang & Jinhui Nie & Deli Peng & Fuwei Yang & Zhanghui Wu & Haiyang Jiang & Zhiping Xu & Quanshui Zheng, 2021. "Microscale Schottky superlubric generator with high direct-current density and ultralong life," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-10, December.
    3. Ebru Cihan & Semran İpek & Engin Durgun & Mehmet Z. Baykara, 2016. "Structural lubricity under ambient conditions," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 7(1), pages 1-6, November.
    4. Xuanyu Huang & Xiaojian Xiang & Jinhui Nie & Deli Peng & Fuwei Yang & Zhanghui Wu & Haiyang Jiang & Zhiping Xu & Quanshui Zheng, 2021. "Author Correction: Microscale Schottky superlubric generator with high direct-current density and ultralong life," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-1, December.
    5. Oded Hod & Ernst Meyer & Quanshui Zheng & Michael Urbakh, 2018. "Structural superlubricity and ultralow friction across the length scales," Nature, Nature, vol. 563(7732), pages 485-492, November.
    6. F. Bonelli & N. Manini & E. Cadelano & L. Colombo, 2009. "Atomistic simulations of the sliding friction of graphene flakes," The European Physical Journal B: Condensed Matter and Complex Systems, Springer;EDP Sciences, vol. 70(4), pages 449-459, August.
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