Synergistic lubrication of few-layer Ti3C2Tx/MoS2 heterojunction as a lubricant additive

The few-layer Ti3C2Tx/MoS2 heterostructure was successfully prepared via vertically growing of MoS2 nanosheets on the few-layer Ti3C2Tx matrix using hydrothermal method. The tribological properties as additive in mineral oil (150N) were evaluated in detail. The 0.3 wt% of few-layer Ti3C2Tx/MoS2 heterostructure addition amount can reduce the friction and wear of 150N by 39% and 85%, respectively. Moreover, the enhancement effect of few-layer Ti3C2Tx/MoS2 on tribological properties of 150N is superior to that of few-layer Ti3C2Tx, MoS2 nanosheets, and their mechanical mixture. Based on the characterization and analysis of wear debris and wear track, such excellent tribological properties of the few-layer Ti3C2Tx/MoS2 heterostructure derive from its structural advantage toward good dispersion, the synergistic lubrication of Ti3C2Tx and MoS2 nanosheets during the rubbing process, and the formation of tribo-film.