Controllable interface-tailored strategy to reduce the nanotribological properties of Ti3C2T x by depositing MoS2 using atomic layer deposition

Abstract

Abstract Ti3C2T x MXene has attracted widespread attention in lubrication owing to its unique structure and surface properties. However, the inferior nanotribological properties of Ti3C2T x still limit its applications in nano lubricants. Herein, we propose a controllable interface-tailored strategy to reduce the nanotribological properties of Ti3C2Tx by depositing MoS2 nano-sheet on its surface using atomic layer deposition (ALD). The nanotribological properties of the MoS2/Ti3C2T x nanocomposites synthesized by ALD are studied by atomic force microscope for the first time. At the optimal 20 ALD MoS2 cycles, the nanofriction of MoS2/Ti3C2T x has 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 Ti3C2T x . The results can contribute to understanding of the nanotribological mechanisms of Ti3C2T x composites and provide the potential prospects for Ti3C2T x as a nanoscale adjustable lubricant.