Nanoparticles
and two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets are well-investigated as lubricant
additives, which can significantly reduce frictional energy consumption.
However, the tribological properties of the additives will deteriorate
because of the occurrence of aggregation in the lubricant and the
difficulty in entering the frictional contact area. In the present
work, the new sandwichlike nanostructure of Mn3O4 nanoparticles and graphene nanosheets (Mn3O4@G) has been developed by an in situ green synthesis method; i.e.,
the impurities of Mn2+ ions in crude graphite oxide as
the precursor are directly transferred into Mn3O4 precipitate between the graphene sheets. The graphene has a lamellar
structure without folds and wrinkles, and the Mn3O4 nanoparticles are not only uniformly anchored on the graphene
surfaces but also intercalated in the layers of the graphene nanosheets.
The Mn3O4@G exhibits excellent tribological
properties and high stability because of a synergistic lubrication
effect between the graphene nanosheets and the Mn3O4 nanoparticles. Even at an ultralow concentration (0.075 wt
%) and a high temperature of 125 °C, the friction coefficient
and the wear depth have been reduced by 75% and 97% compared with
base oil, respectively. The synthesis method and the Mn3O4@G nanocomposite have significant potential in various
tribological applications for saving energy.
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