Tribochemical Conversion of Methane to Graphene and Other Carbon Nanostructures: Implications for Friction and Wear

Ramirez, Giovanni; Eryilmaz, Osman Levent; Fatti, Giulio; Righi, Maria Clelia; Wen, Jianguo; Erdemir, Ali

doi:10.1021/acsanm.0c01527

Tribochemical Conversion of Methane to Graphene and Other Carbon Nanostructures: Implications for Friction and Wear

Journal Article · Thu Jul 16 00:00:00 EDT 2020 · ACS Applied Nano Materials

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/acsanm.0c01527· OSTI ID:1756842

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Argonne National Lab. (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
Univ. of Modena and Reggio Emilia (Italy)
Univ. of Bologna (Italy)

Tribochemistry involves chemical reactions occurring at sliding contact interfaces in the presence of gaseous and/or liquid media. It often leads to the formation of a solid reaction film (also termed boundary film) which controls friction and wear and hence the efficiency and reliability of moving mechanical systems (such as engines). Here we demonstrate tribochemical conversion of methane to graphene, nano-onion, and disordered carbons on the sliding surfaces of Ni-, Cu-, and CuNi-containing VN coatings at atmospheric pressure and room temperature, providing 2-3 orders of magnitude reduction in wear and similar to 50% reduction in friction compared to those of the uncoated steels. Transmission electron microscopy confirms that graphene forms preferably on metal rich nanoclusters of the composite coatings, while the carbon nano-onions are scattered throughout the carbon tribofilm. Ab initio molecular dynamics simulations elucidate underlying mechanisms involved in the tribochemical conversion of methane to carbon- based nanostructures in support of microscopic observations. These scientific findings may lead to new materials technologies that can use methane as a source for continuous and in situ lubrication. For example, there is an urgent need to curtail the uses of lubricating oils in natural gas compressors and engines as they contaminate the natural gas being compressed or burnt.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Transportation Office. Vehicle Technologies Office

Grant/Contract Number:: AC02-06CH11357

OSTI ID:: 1756842

Journal Information:: ACS Applied Nano Materials, Journal Name: ACS Applied Nano Materials Journal Issue: 8 Vol. 3; ISSN 2574-0970

Publisher:: American Chemical Society (ACS)Copyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
carbon nanostrcutures
catalysis
friction
thin films/coatings
tribochemistry
wear

Tribochemical Conversion of Methane to Graphene and Other Carbon Nanostructures: Implications for Friction and Wear

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