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Thin films of fullerene-like MoS2 nanoparticles with ultra-low friction and wear

Nature volume 407, pages 164–167 (2000)Cite this article

Abstract

The tribological properties of solid lubricants such as graphite and the metal dichalcogenides MX2 (where M is molybdenum or tungsten and X is sulphur or selenium)1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13 are of technological interest for reducing wear in circumstances where liquid lubricants are impractical, such as in space technology, ultra-high vacuum or automotive transport. These materials are characterized by weak interatomic interactions (van der Waals forces) between their layered structures, allowing easy, low-strength shearing14,15. Although these materials exhibit excellent friction and wear resistance and extended lifetime in vacuum, their tribological properties remain poor in the presence of humidity or oxygen16,17,18,19, thereby limiting their technological applications in the Earth's atmosphere. But using MX2 in the form of isolated inorganic fullerene-like hollow nanoparticles similar to carbon fullerenes and nanotubes can improve its performance1. Here we show that thin films of hollow MoS2 nanoparticles, deposited by a localized high-pressure arc discharge method, exhibit ultra-low friction (an order of magnitude lower than for sputtered MoS2 thin films) and wear in nitrogen and 45% humidity. We attribute this ‘dry’ behaviour in humid environments to the presence of curved S–Mo–S planes that prevent oxidation and preserve the layered structure.

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Figure 1: High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images of 50-nm-thick films of MoS2 nanoparticles.
Figure 2: X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns from thin films of MoS2 nanoparticles.
Figure 3: Wear tests on MoS2 films in different atmospheres.
Figure 4: HREM image of debris collected from the wear track region of an MoS2 nanoparticle film after the reciprocating wear test in 45% relative humidity in ambient conditions.

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Acknowledgements

We thank R. Aharonov for general assistance and advice, and J. A. Williams for discussions.

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  1. Engineering Department, University of Cambridge, Trumpington Street, Cambridge, CB2 1PZ, UK

    Manish Chhowalla & Gehan A. J. Amaratunga

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  1. Manish Chhowalla
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  2. Gehan A. J. Amaratunga
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Correspondence to Manish Chhowalla.

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Chhowalla, M., Amaratunga, G. Thin films of fullerene-like MoS2 nanoparticles with ultra-low friction and wear. Nature 407, 164–167 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1038/35025020

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