Covalently attached graphene–ionic liquid hybrid nanomaterials: synthesis, characterization and tribological application

Abstract

Hybrid nanomaterials offer task-specific functional properties besides the individual properties of their constituent materials/elements. Herein, graphene–ionic liquid (Gr–IL) hybrid nanomaterials are synthesized to integrate the friction-reducing properties of both ionic liquids and graphene nanosheets. Importantly, the remarkable mechanical strength of graphene improves the anti-wear performance, whereas covalently grafted ionic liquids facilitate the dispersion of the Gr–IL in the polyethylene glycol (PEG 200) synthetic lube base oil. Graphene, prepared by a controlled chemical approach, is used for the covalent grafting of an imidazolium ring. Three variable Gr–IL hybrid nanomaterials, containing bis(salicylato)borate (BScB), oleate (OL), and hexafluorophosphate (PF₆) anions, are synthesized to control their surface properties. Detailed chemical and microstructural features of the Gr–IL hybrid nanomaterials are studied using FTIR, XPS, Raman, XRD, FESEM, and HRTEM analyses. The Gr–IL hybrid nanomaterials as lubricant additives for PEG 200 significantly reduced the friction and the wear. Further, the Gr–IL hybrid nanomaterials offer remarkably improved anti-wear properties (55–78%) compared to that of the corresponding ionic liquid (7–39%) blends in PEG 200 and this was attributed to the high mechanical strength of graphene, which protects the contact interfaces against material loss. The elemental and micro-Raman results of the worn surfaces suggested the formation of a tribo-chemical thin film composed of Gr–IL and its tribo-chemical products with steel interfaces. The BScB anion constituted Gr–BScB showed the maximum reduction in friction, whereas the OL analogue exhibited the smallest wear. This study reveals the potential of task-specific Gr–IL hybrid nanomaterials as novel additives for diversified tribological applications.