Robust microscale structural superlubricity between graphite and nanostructured surface

Xuanyu Huang, Tengfei Li, Jin Wang, Kai Xia, Zipei Tan, Deli Peng, Xiaojian Xiang, Bin Liu, Ming Ma () and Quanshui Zheng ()
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Xuanyu Huang: Tsinghua University
Tengfei Li: Tsinghua University
Jin Wang: International School for Advanced Studies
Kai Xia: Research Institute of Tsinghua University in Shenzhen
Zipei Tan: 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
Quanshui Zheng: Tsinghua University

Nature Communications, 2023, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: 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.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38680-6

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