Graphene lubrication

Graphene-family materials, as a great discovery of this era, have become one of the most popular materials. Scientists have kept on studying the possibilities of using graphene-family materials as lubricants or lubricating additives. This work offers a review of studies that have been conducted regarding the tribological properties of graphene-family materials, such as graphene, graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, functionalized graphene, graphene decorated with nanoparticles, and composites of graphene with other materials. The fundamental mechanisms enlightening the outstanding lubricating behaviors of graphene-family materials are revealed and concluded. The authors also give discussions on unsolved issues for the lubrication of graphene-family materials and optimistic outlooks for engineering applications of graphene-family materials as potential candidates for lubricants and lubricating additives in the near future.