MXenes in tribology: Current status and perspectives

Abstract

MXenes are an emerging class of new two-dimensional materials, which have been widely used in energy storage, catalysis, sensing, biology, and other fields due to their unique structure and properties. The distinct structure, low shear resistance, and easy-to-modify ability endow MXenes with particularly superior lubrication potentials. This review highlights the research status and applications of MXenes lubrication which are categorized into solid lubricants, lubricant additives, and reinforcement phase parts, summaries their influencing factors and lubrication mechanisms of MXenes lubrication, points out some unexplored research fields and unsettled questions, and then puts forwards possible solutions and prospects for future research. The lubrication advances and potentials of MXenes are fully verified. Predictably, the emerging MXenes lubricants will exhibit remarkable application prospects in advanced manufacturing such as machining industries, automotive industries, micro/nanoelectromechanical systems, and spacecraft components. This paper offers a comprehensive review about research status and applications of MXenes in tribology, highlights influencing factors and lubrication mechanisms of MXenes lubrication, points out some unexplored research fields and unsettled questions, and puts forward possible solutions and prospects for future research. • MXene is an emerging lubricating material for reducing friction and wear. • MXene used in solid lubrication, liquid lubrication and as a reinforcing agent in polymer/metal matrix are comprehensively reviewed. • Tribological properties and lubrication mechanism of MXene-based materials are demonstrated. • The challenges and prospects of MXene in tribology are discussed and proposed.