Controllable interface-tailored strategy to reduce the nanotribological properties of Ti3C2T x by depositing MoS2 using atomic layer deposition

Abstract Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene has attracted widespread attention in lubrication owing to its unique structure and surface properties. However, the inferior nanotribological properties of Ti 3 C 2 T x still limit its applications in nano lubricants. Herein, we propose a controllable interface-tailored strategy to reduce the nanotribological properties of Ti 3 C 2 T x by depositing MoS 2 nano-sheet on its surface using atomic layer deposition (ALD). The nanotribological properties of the MoS 2 /Ti 3 C 2 T x nanocomposites synthesized by ALD are studied by atomic force microscope for the first time. At the optimal 20 ALD MoS 2 cycles, the nanofriction of MoS 2 /Ti 3 C 2 T x has been reduced by 57%, 46%, and 44% (at 5, 10, and 15 nN load, respectively), while the adhesion has been reduced by 59%, compared to the original Ti 3 C 2 T x . The results can contribute to understanding of the nanotribological mechanisms of Ti 3 C 2 T x composites and provide the potential prospects for Ti 3 C 2 T x as a nanoscale adjustable lubricant.