A Review of In-Situ TEM Studies on the Mechanical and Tribological Behaviors of Carbon-Based Materials

Abstract

Carbon-based materials are widely applied in various devices due to their outstanding mechanical and tribological behaviors. In recent years, more attention has been paid to clarifying the nanocontact mechanisms of carbon-based materials, in order to promote nanoscale applications. The in-situ TEM method is currently the only way that can combine contact behavior and real interface. However, there is still a lack of a systematic summary of in-situ TEM studies on carbon-based materials. Therefore, this work provides an overview of in-situ TEM mechanical and tribological studies on carbon-based materials, consisting of the quantitative actuation and detection for in-situ tests, the strength of fracture and yield, the adhesion between interfaces, the friction performance, and wear features of carbon-based materials with different nanostructures, such as carbon nanotube, graphene, graphite, amorphous, sp2 nanocrystalline, and ultrananocrystalline diamond. Nanostructures play a crucial role in determining mechanical and tribological behaviors. Perspectives on current challenges and future directions are presented, with the aim of promoting the advancement of in-situ TEM research.