Research progress in supramolecular gel lubricating materials

The development of lubricating materials with excellent performance is essential to reduce the energy loss caused by friction and wear, as well as to avoid serious mechanical failures and joint damage. Supramolecular gel lubricating materials can achieve efficient capture of liquid lubricants and solve the problems of creep, leakage and low lubrication efficiency of traditional lubricating materials because of their good thixotropic properties. The dynamically tunable properties and reversible phase change characteristics give supramolecular gel lubricating materials a natural advantage for development into smart lubricants. Supramolecular gel lubricants show potential applications in both mechanical and biological lubrication fields, which can be endowed with friction reduction, anti-wear, anti-corrosion, self-healing and high load-bearing capacity through functionalized design. This article reviews the current development of supramolecular gel lubricating materials based on different liquid lubricants (lubricating oils, water and ionic liquids) and discusses their development prospects in different lubrication fields.