Synergistic lubrication of few-layer Ti₃C₂T_x /MoS₂ heterojunction as a lubricant additive

The few-layer Ti₃C₂T_x/MoS₂ heterostructure was successfully prepared via vertically growing of MoS₂ nanosheets on the few-layer Ti₃C₂T_x matrix using hydrothermal method. The tribological properties as additive in mineral oil (150N) were evaluated in detail. The 0.3 wt% of few-layer Ti₃C₂T_x/MoS₂ heterostructure addition amount can reduce the friction and wear of 150N by 39% and 85%, respectively. Moreover, the enhancement effect of few-layer Ti₃C₂T_x/MoS₂ on tribological properties of 150N is superior to that of few-layer Ti₃C₂T_x, 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 Ti₃C₂T_x/MoS₂ heterostructure derive from its structural advantage toward good dispersion, the synergistic lubrication of Ti₃C₂T_x and MoS₂ nanosheets during the rubbing process, and the formation of tribo-film.