Title: Nanoscale friction properties of graphene and graphene oxide

Abstract

Achieving superlow friction and wear at the micro/nano-scales through the uses of solid and liquid lubricants may allow superior performance and long-lasting operations in a range of micromechanical system including micro-electro mechanical systems (MEMS). Previous studies have indicated that conventional solid lubricants such as highly ordered pyrolitic graphite (HOPG) can only afford low friction in humid environments at micro/macro scales; but, HOPG is not suitable for practical micro-scale applications. Here, we explored the nano-scale frictional properties of multi-layered graphene films as a potential solid lubricant for such applications. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements have revealed that for high-purity multilayered graphene (7–9 layers), the friction force is significantly lower than what can be achieved by the use of HOPG, regardless of the counterpart AFM tip material. We have demonstrated that the quality and purity of multilayered graphene plays an important role in reducing lateral forces, while oxidation of graphene results in dramatically increased friction values. Furthermore, for the first time, we demonstrated the possibility of achieving ultralow friction for CVD grown single layer graphene on silicon dioxide. This confirms that the deposition process insures a stronger adhesion to substrate and hence enables superior tribological performance than the previously reported mechanical exfoliationmore » processes.« less

Authors:

Berman, Diana ^[1]; Erdemir, Ali ^[2]; Zinovev, Alexander V. ^[3]; Sumant, Anirudha V. ^[1]

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+ Show Author Affiliations

1. Argonne National Lab. (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States). Center for Nanoscale Materials
2. Argonne National Lab. (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States). Energy Systems Division
3. Argonne National Lab. (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States). Materials Science Division

Publication Date:

Fri Apr 03 00:00:00 EDT 2015

Research Org.:

Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES)

OSTI Identifier:

1357601

Alternate Identifier(s):

OSTI ID: 1249875

Grant/Contract Number:  

AC02-06CH11357

Resource Type:

Accepted Manuscript

Journal Name:

Diamond and Related Materials

Additional Journal Information:

Journal Volume: 54; Journal Issue: C; Journal ID: ISSN 0925-9635

Publisher:

Elsevier

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English

Subject:

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE; AFM lateral force; friction; oxidation; adhesion