Superlubricity of Graphene Nanoribbons on Gold Surfaces

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates superlubricity of graphene nanoribbons on gold surfaces through combined experimental and computational methods, revealing the atomic-scale mechanisms behind ultra-low friction.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed analysis of the atomic origins of superlubricity in graphene nanoribbons on gold, enabling potential scalable applications.

Findings

Superlubricity observed in graphene nanoribbons on gold surfaces.

Edges, surface reconstruction, and ribbon elasticity influence superlubricity.

Atomic-scale contact control is crucial for understanding superlubricity.

Abstract

The state of vanishing friction known as superlubricity has important applications for energy saving and increasing the lifetime of devices. Superlubricity detected with atomic force microscopy appears in examples like sliding large graphite flakes or gold nanoclusters across surfaces. However, the origin of the behavior is poorly understood due to the lack of a controllable nano-contact. We demonstrate graphene nanoribbons superlubricity when sliding on gold with a joint experimental and computational approach. The atomically well-defined contact allows us to trace the origin of superlubricity, unravelling the role played by edges, surface reconstruction and ribbon elasticity. Our results pave the way to the scale-up of superlubricity toward the realization of frictionless coatings.