Abstract
In the present work, a novel method was developed to study the evolving surface state of graphene film as it is subject to friction, characterized by photoluminescence properties. We prepared the graphene film (GF) and YSZ:Er (Er3+-Y3+ co-doped ZrO2)/graphene composite films (ZGCF). The Raman spectra and photoluminescence properties of the GF and ZGCF were characterized before and after the sliding friction. A remarkable phenomenon was observed that after friction the GF generated a more pronounced luminescence response than it had prior, apparently due to graphene quantum dots which were found in the wear debris of the GF. Furthermore, the introduction of graphene into YSZ:Er nanoparticles (NPs) resulted in an unmistakable red-shift on the main luminescence bands of ZGCF after the applied friction. This is explained by the formation of considerable graphene scrolls in the wear debris of ZGCF due to the interaction of the graphene and the YSZ:Er NPs. It can be concluded that changes to the configuration of graphene greatly influence the tribo-induced photoluminescence response. Our findings justify further investigation into the composition and morphology of worn surfaces in order to better understand how photoluminescence relates to frictional effects. In addition, this work proposes the in situ fabrication of graphene quantum dots and nanoscale scrolls as a new potential application of the tribo-induced photoluminescence study.
Highlights
Extreme external loading conditions can signi cantly impact the worn surfaces of many materials that are widely used in industrial and marine elds.[1,2] attempts to observe and predict those changes at nanoscale or microscale levels proved to be especially difficult.[3,4] a deeper understanding of the friction process is sought in order to develop an effective early warning system capable of monitoring and locating friction-induced failure in situ
We report a remarkable phenomenon that the graphene film (GF) generated a more pronounced luminescent response a er friction than it had prior, due to the graphene quantum dots found in the wear debris of the GF
The difference in the Raman spectra of GF and ZGCF is due to the surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) effect caused by chemical enhancement
Summary
Extreme external loading conditions can signi cantly impact the worn surfaces of many materials that are widely used in industrial and marine elds.[1,2] attempts to observe and predict those changes at nanoscale or microscale levels proved to be especially difficult.[3,4] a deeper understanding of the friction process is sought in order to develop an effective early warning system capable of monitoring and locating friction-induced failure in situ. Several tribological mechanisms have been proposed to explain the friction processing of freshly worn surfaces along with the associated formation and transfer of debris.[5,6] due to limitations of the experimental tools, it remains challenging to thoroughly analyze the role of shearing reactions during the friction process.
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