Simulation of Atomic-Scale Ultralow Friction of Graphite/C60/Graphite Interface along [1010] Direction

The graphite/C60/graphite interface plays an important role in the atomic-scale ultralow friction of C60 intercalated graphite. In this study, the ultralow frictional feature along the [100] direction of the graphite/C60/graphite interface is numerically investigated and compared with that of the graphite/graphite/graphite interface. Simulated interlayer distances of about 1.3 nm are in good agreement with previous experimental results. The atomic-scale friction coefficient of the graphite/C60/graphite interface decreases to about 30% of that of the graphite/graphite/graphite interface. It is clarified that the three-dimensional degree of freedom of intercalated C60 motion is one of the origins of the ultralow friction of the graphite/C60/graphite interface along the [100] direction.