Particle Surface Research Articles

Analysis of Ni-Cu Interaction in Aluminum-Based Alloys: Hardness, Tensile and Precipitation Behavior.

The present work was aimed at quantifying the effects of Ni addition in the range of 0-4% together with 0.3%Zr on the hardness and the tensile properties, volume fraction of intermetallics, and changes in size and distribution of phase precipitation in Sr-modified Al-9%Si-2%Cu-0.6%Mg cast alloys. The study was mainly carried out using high-resolution FESEM and TEM microscopes equipped with EDS facilities. Samples were solidified at the rate of ~3 °C/s and examined at different aging conditions. The investigations are supported by thermal analysis carried out at a solidification rate of ~0.8 °C/s. The results revealed that the main compositions of the Ni-based phases are close to Al3(Ni,Cu), Al3CuNi, and Al3Ni. An Al3Ni2Cu2 phase was also detected in the 4%Ni alloy. The Cu-Ni phases were observed to precipitate, covering the surfaces of pre-existing primary Al3Zr particles. The TEM analysis indicated the magnitude of the reduction in both size and density of the precipitated Al2Cu phase particles as the Ni content reached 4%, coupled with a delay in the transition from coherent to incoherency of the Al2Cu precipitates.

Preparation of accelerated-wound-healing lignin/dopamine-based nano-Fe3O4 hydrogels in sensing

Flexible conductive hydrogels hold great promise for applications in motion and medical detection. It is difficult to produce conductive hydrogel epidermal sensors in wearable hydrogels with dependable adhesion, sensing, and wound-healing properties. Nano-Fe3O4 was used as physical cross-linking points in the polyacrylamide/polyvinyl alcohol double network (PP) to increase the strain capacity of the hydrogel. The conductive lignin-dopamine (LD) was immobilized on the surface of Fe3O4 particles, and the LD-coated Fe3O4 was then incorporated into the double network hydrogel to create the PP/LD/Fe3O4 hydrogel. This work was done to look into the possibility of using Fe3O4 hydrogels as flexible strain sensors. The addition of LD/Fe3O4 caused the composite hydrogel to strain up to 124 %, with a modulus of elasticity of 21,308 Pa and electrical conductivity as high as 2.3 S•m−1 following the introduction of LD/Fe3O4. Moreover, the PP/LD/Fe3O4 hydrogel's adhesive qualities offered adequate antimicrobial properties and promoted wound healing. These results indicate that the developed electricity-responsive and tissue-adhesive hydrogel dressing offers a candidate to serve as a tissue sealant for wound healing.

Investigating ingredient influence on reconstitution of powdered cocoa beverage via constrained mixture design

Reconstitution of a powdered cocoa beverage (PCB) produced by wet-mixing and oven-drying were studied. Sixteen PCB samples with different proportions of core ingredients, namely cocoa (5–25 %), skimmed milk (10–50 %), hydrolysed cereal extract (15–60 %), sucrose (0–30 %) and palm olein (0–15 %), were generated via a constrained mixture design. PCB samples had varying physical properties which included bulk porosity (57.3–74.8 %), particle surface hydrophilicity (contact angle = 60.0–94.5°) and glass transition temperature (51.2–86.3 °C). Consequently, PCB samples differed in reconstitution properties like wetting time (11–>300 s), reconstitution time (14–141 s) and soluble content (51.3–86.8 %). Subsequently, mixture regression models were developed to varying success (adjusted R2 = 70–97 %) for identifying the influence of each core ingredient on physical and reconstitution properties of PCB. PCB wettability was most improved by increasing the proportion of hydrolysed cereal extract, through forming powders with moderate particle surface hydrophilicities but higher glass transition temperatures and higher bulk porosities. Conversely, PCB wettability became exceptionally poor when it contained >35 % skimmed milk and <5 % palm olein. Additionally, a higher ratio of protein-rich skimmed milk against carbohydrate-rich hydrolysed cereal extract and sucrose led to solubility loss in PCB.

Adsorption Behavior of Different Components of a Polymer/Surfactant Composite Control System along an Injection-Production Channel in Sand Conglomerate Reservoirs.

Sandy conglomerate reservoirs have become an important replacement area for unconventional energy to increase reserves and production. The polymer/surfactant composite control flooding system can effectively alleviate the water flooding front breakthrough caused by the interlayer or plane heterogeneity of the sand conglomerate reservoir and is an effective production method to reduce the water cutoff of the well and increase the oil recovery. In the process of controlling the oil displacement process of the system, the chromatographic separation effect was found due to the different viscosities of each component and the adsorption difference between the components and the rock, which weakened the development effect of the reservoir. It is necessary to study the adsorption law of each component of the complex controlled displacement system along the injection-production channel in the sand conglomerate reservoir. In this study, the microstructure and mineral composition of sandy conglomerates were determined by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction tests. The main particle size distribution was counted through a rock particle sieving experiment. A new characterization method called the large-size core physical model was used. The composite control system of sulfonate and betaine was used as the surfactant component, and the adsorption degree of each component in the displacement process was analyzed. The experimental results showed that the mass fraction of the sandy conglomerate increased with the decrease in particle size. The particles with a size of less than 0.08 mm account for a relatively high proportion, with a mass fraction of 60%. The content of brittle minerals, such as quartz and feldspar, in the glutenite was relatively high, and micrometer-sized pores and fractures were developed. The main factors affecting the viscosity of the composite system were the concentration and molecular weight of the polymer. The increase of injection volume of the flooding system is conducive to the maintenance of ultralow interfacial tension migration to the deep core. In the displacement process, when the polymer molecular chain was cut to a certain extent, the effect of throat shear was also slowed due to the short molecular chain. However, the shortened polymer molecules were more easily adsorbed on the surface of rock particles and the adsorption rate increased. The adsorption capacity of each component gradually decreased with the increase of the injection volume and injection concentration. The relative content of the composite control system and crude oil affects the type of emulsion, which undergoes a corresponding transformation during the driving process from a water-in-oil emulsion to an oil-in-water one. The research results of this paper enrich the mechanism of enhancing oil recovery of sand conglomerate reservoirs by polymer-surfactant composite regulation technology.

Preparation, characterization and intercalation mechanism of bentonite modified with different organic ammonium

Three organic ammoniums with different molecular configurations were selected to modify Ca-bentonite and Na-bentonite. The FTIR spectra, SEM images and XRD diagrams of bentonite before and after modification were compared. The adsorption performance of bentonite samples for Hg(II) ions was contrasted. The results indicate that the more complex the molecular configuration of organic ammonium, the greater the steric hindrance, and the more difficult it is to insert into the interlayer space. The chelation between the functional groups contained in organic ammonium and the interlayer cations in bentonite is unfavorable for organic ammonium molecules to enter the interlayer space. Some organic ammonium molecules that cannot enter the interlayer space can adhere to the surface of bentonite particles through interaction with functional groups on the particle surface or through electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding forces, forming nanocomposites. Thereby, the adsorption performance of benonite samples modified with organic ammonium for Hg(II) ions improved.

Experimental study on the macroscopic and microscopic properties of cement paste backfill after treatment with carbon dioxide carbonize filling slurries during the mixing process

Introducing CO2 during the mixing process of filling slurry for wet carbonation enables simultaneous carbonation and hydration reactions of the carbonated filling slurry (CSL). This study evaluates the microstructural evolution and strength development of carbonated cemented paste backfill (CCPB) under different carbonation times, and discusses the carbonation products and carbon sequestration of CCPB. The results reveal that introducing 99% pure CO2 at a flow rate of 1 L/min for 10 min into the filling slurry in a non-sealed container effectively optimizes the microscopic pore structure and mechanical properties of CCPB, achieving a carbon sequestration rate of 6.42%. Short-term carbonation leads to a continuous decrease in the T2 relaxation signal of CSL in the early hydration stage, enhancing pore structure by converting secondary pores to micropores. The main carbonation product is calcite crystalline CaCO3, which forms a dense carbonation layer on the surface of the tailings particles. However, prolonged carbonation results in the formation of microscopic pore encapsulation layer, hindering further CO2 diffusion, reducing carbonation efficiency, and deteriorating the mechanical properties of CCPB. With a carbonation time of 10 min, the UCS and EM of CCPB with different cement-to-tailings ratios show significant improvement, and the specimens exhibit lower fragmentation and fewer secondary cracks, maintaining better integrity after failure. In conclusion, the wet carbonation of filling slurry not only enhances the strength of the filling material but also achieves the reutilization of gaseous and solid wastes through carbon sequestration filling method, providing an efficient and eco-friendly solution for mine backfilling.

Design of an FPGA-Based Controller for Fast Scanning Probe Microscopy.

Atomic-scale imaging using scanning probe microscopy is a pivotal method for investigating the morphology and physico-chemical properties of nanostructured surfaces. Time resolution represents a significant limitation of this technique, as typical image acquisition times are on the order of several seconds or even a few minutes, while dynamic processes-such as surface restructuring or particle sintering, to be observed upon external stimuli such as changes in gas atmosphere or electrochemical potential-often occur within timescales shorter than a second. In this article, we present a fully redesigned field programmable gate array (FPGA)-based instrument that can be integrated into most commercially available standard scanning probe microscopes. This instrument not only significantly accelerates the acquisition of atomic-scale images by orders of magnitude but also enables the tracking of moving features such as adatoms, vacancies, or clusters across the surface ("atom tracking") due to the parallel execution of sophisticated control and acquisition algorithms and the fast exchange of data with an external processor. Each of these measurement modes requires a complex series of operations within the FPGA that are explained in detail.

Experimental study on Na+ conductivity in NaAlBr4 and atomic-scale investigation of Na+ conduction

AbstractThe ionic conduction properties of Li/Na metal halides have been extensively studied, with recent attention turning towards Al-based systems. However, limited studies have focused on alkali Al bromides. In this study, we explored the Na+ conduction properties of NaAlBr4. Conductivity measurements at 30 °C revealed a Na+ conductivity of 1.2 × 10−5 S/cm, surpassing that of isostructural NaAlCl4 threefold. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to elucidate the conduction mechanisms revealed that Na+ conduction was not observed in stoichiometric NaAlBr4, which has high formation energies of Na+ vacancies and interstitials (0.88 eV and 0.73 eV, respectively). Nevertheless, a conductivity of 1.2 × 10−5 S/cm was observed. The activation energy for ion conduction was experimentally determined as 0.43 eV, and the migration energies were calculated as 0.26 eV (Na+ vacancies) and 0.16 eV (Na+ interstitials) by MD simulations. These discrepancies in ion conduction were partially explained by the role of transient defects enriched via ball milling in facilitating Na+ conduction on the particle surface, offering insights into the complex ion conduction of ball-milled NaAlBr4.

Coloring Tetrahedral Semiconductors: Synthesis and Photoluminescence Enhancement of Ternary II-III2-VI4 Colloidal Nanocrystals.

Ternary tetrahedral II-III2-VI4 semiconductors, where II is Zn or Cd, III In or Ga, and VI S, Se, or Te, are of interest in UV radiation detectors in medicine and space physics as well as CO2 photoreduction under visible light. We synthesize colloidal II-III2-VI4 semiconductor nanocrystals from readily available precursors and ascertain their ternary nature by structural and spectroscopic methods, including 77Se solid-state NMR spectroscopy. The pyramidally shaped nanocrystals range between 2 and 12 nm and exhibit optical gaps of 2-3.9 eV. In the presence of excess anions on the particle surface, treatment with Lewis acidic, Z-type ligands results in better passivation and enhanced photoluminescence. Electronic structure calculations reveal the most stable, lowest energy polymorphs and coloring patterns. This work will pave the way toward more environmentally friendly, ternary semiconductors for optoelectronics and electrocatalysis.

Combustion and mechanical properties enhancement strategy based on stearic acid surface activated boron powders

Boric acid and other impurities on the surface of boron (B) particles can interact with hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB), weakening the mechanical properties and energy release efficiency of boron-based solid rocket propellants. SA@B composite particles were created by coating stearic acid (SA) on the surface of B particles through solvent evaporation-induced self-assembly. The study investigated the impact of SA coating on the combustion performance of B particles and the mechanical properties of HTPB matrix composites. The results showed that the SA coating enhanced the oxidation efficiency of B particles in air. The combustion heat of SA@B composite particles is 30.29 MJ/g, about 50% higher than that of B particles. During the combustion of SA@B composite particles, fewer molten solid particles surround the flame, which enhances the stability of the combustion process of the B particles. Furthermore, the SA coating effectively enhanced the dispersion of B particles in HTPB. At a stretching speed of 100 mm/min, the tensile strength of the SA@B/HTPB composite materials is higher than that of the B/HTPB composite materials. Moreover, when the mass loading of the SA@B composite particles reaches 50 wt%, the tensile strength of SA@B/HTPB composite materials is 2.46 MPa. Activating the surface of boron particles with SA can significantly improve their compatibility with HTPB, which is crucial for the stable storage of boron-based solid rocket propellants.

Precision engineering of surface defects of cerium oxide nanostructured fine particles for the multiplexed detection of electrolytes and glucose inside tissue models

The development of biosensors for the detection of glucose and electrolytes has become a crucial field of research nowadays due to the increasing incidence of long-term conditions. Specifically, the use of cerium oxide as a selective material for the detection of glucose is raising interest as an alternative to enzymatic sensors due to their stability and low-cost. This work demonstrates for the first time a significant improvement in the selectivity of glucose sensors based on cerium oxide nanostructured fine particles through doping with nickel ions and using pulse voltammetry for the sensing. By using nickel-doped cerium oxide fine particles, the sensitivity of the devices improved by 10-fold, and the selectivity when testing the devices against lactate increased by 68.5 % as compared to pure cerium oxide fine particles, with a limit of detection in the micromolar level. Crystallographic and compositional properties that led to such increase in sensitivity were determined, as a result of a presence of oxygen defects and amorphous domains at the surface of fine particles. This device could be adapted for the simultaneous measurement of glucose and sodium ions. The pulse voltametric approach enhanced the sensitivity of the sensors towards sodium ions, which reached a super-Nernstian sensitivity of 111 mV Log[Na+]-1, with a response time of 2 mins, and has been used for the testing of the electrodes in a practical environment using a skin-inspired material. This technology will pave the way for the development of miniaturised non-invasive wearable sensors real-time measurement of glucose and electrolytes in patients.

Removal of Arsenic from Contaminated Water by Polypyrrole-Based Adsorbents

Worldwide, there is growing concern over the toxicity of arsenic in drinking water. The US Environmental Protection Agency and Central Pollution Control Board (India) have set a safe limit of 50 parts per billion for arsenic in drinking water. Millions of people are at immediate risk due to high concentrations of arsenic in drinking water, particularly in developing nations where arsenic poisoning symptoms have been observed. One of the essential techniques described in this article is the absorption of arsenic from contaminated water by sustainable cellulosic materials like jute and wood sawdust after suitable modification. Jute and sawdust are cheap and abundantly available in South Asia. They are functionalized with polypyrrole coating by in situ chemical polymerization of pyrrole in aqueous medium in the presence of ferric chloride. Polypyrrole-coated jute fabric (with 11.28% polypyrrole add-on) and polypyrrole-coated sawdust (with 5.28% polypyrrole add-on) are found to be excellent adsorbers of arsenic ion (As3+) from water. The effect of dosage of polypyrrole-coated adsorbents, treatment time and pyrrole concentration on the As removal efficiency have been investigated in this work. The arsenic concentration in water is determined using a microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometer with the highest level of accuracy. Maximum As removal efficiency by the polypyrrole-coated sawdust and polypyrrole-coated jute fabric is found to be 80.90% and 97.3%, respectively, from a 50 mL, 7.5 parts per million As solution with a dosage of 1 g at neutral pH. The polypyrrole-coated jute and sawdust are characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy to understand the chemical interaction between cellulose and polypyrrole molecules. The scanning electron microscope studies reveal a uniform coating of polypyrrole around the surface of jute fibre and sawdust particles. Thermo-gravimetric analysis shows good thermal stability of jute and sawdust after polypyrrole coating.

A Strategic Blend of Stabilizing Polymers to Control Particle Surface Charge for Enhanced Mucus Transport and Cell Binding.

Mucus layers, viscoelastic gels abundant in anionic mucin glycoproteins, obstruct therapeutic delivery across all mucosal surfaces. We found that strongly positively charged nanoparticles (NPs) rapidly adsorb a mucin protein corona in mucus, impeding cell binding and uptake. To overcome this, we developed mucus-evading, cell-adhesive (MECS) NPs with variable surface charge using Flash NanoPrecipitation, by blending a neutral poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) corona for mucus transport with a small amount, 5 wt%, of polycationic dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (PDMAEMA) for increased cell targeting. In vitro experiments confirmed rapid mucus penetration and binding to epithelial cells by MECS NPs, suggesting a breakthrough in mucosal drug delivery.

Accumulation modes and effects of differentially charged polystyrene nano/microplastics in water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica F.)

There is widespread concern about the risk of nano/microplastics (N/MPs) entering the food chain through higher plants. However, the primary factors that influence the absorption of N/MPs by higher plants remain largely unclear. This study examined the impact of Europium-doped N/MPs with different particle sizes and surface charges by water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica F.) to address this knowledge gap. N/MPs were visualized and quantitatively analyzed using laser confocal microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. N/MPs with different surface charges were absorbed by the roots, with the apoplastic pathway as the major route of transport. After 28 days of exposure to 50 mg L−1 N/MPs, N/MPs-COOH caused the highest levels of oxidative stress and damage to the roots. The plants accumulated NPs-COOH the most (average 1640.16 mg L−1), while they accumulated NPs-NH2 the least (average 253.70 mg L−1). Particle size was the main factor influencing the translocation of N/MPs from the root to the stem, while the Zeta potential mainly influenced particle entry into the roots from the hydroponic solution as well as stem-to-leaf translocation. Different charged N/MPs induced osmotic stress in the roots. A small amount of N/MPs in the leaves significantly stimulated the production of chlorophyll, while excessive N/MPs significantly reduced its content. These results provide new insights into the mechanism of interaction between N/MPs and plants.

Synergistic neurological threat from Сu and wood smoke particulate matter

Trace metal Cu and carbonaceous airborn particulate matter (PM) are dangerous neuropollutants. Here, the ability of Cu2+ to modulate the neurotoxicity caused by water-suspended wood smoke PM preparations (SPs) and vice versa was examined using presynaptic rat cortex nerve terminals. Interaction of Cu2+ and SPs, changes of particle size and surface properties were shown in the presence of Cu2+ using microscopy, DLS, and IR spectroscopy. In nerve terminals, Cu2+ and SPs per se elevated the ambient levels of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters L-[14C]glutamate and [3H]GABA, respectively. During combined application, Cu2+ significantly enhanced a SPs-induced increase in the ambient levels of both neurotransmitters, thereby demonstrating a cumulative synergistic effect and significant interference in the neurotoxic threat associated with Cu2+and SPs. In fluorimetric measurements, Cu2+ and SPs also demonstrated cumulative synergistic effects on the membrane potential, mitochondrial potential, synaptic vesicle acidification and ROS generation. Therefore, synergistic effects of Cu2+ and SPs on the most crucial presynaptic characteristics and neurohazard of multiple pollutants through excitatory/inhibitory imbalance, disruption of the membrane and mitochondrial potential, vesicle acidification and ROS generation were revealed. Increased expansion and burden of neuropathology may result from underestimation of synergistic interference of the neurotoxic effects of Cu2+ and carbonaceous smoke PM.

Stable and homogeneous intermetallic alloys by atomic gas-migration for propane dehydrogenation

Intermetallic nanoparticles (NPs) possess significant potentials for catalytic applications, yet their production presents challenges as achieving the disorder-to-order transition during the atom ordering process involves overcoming a kinetic energy barrier. Here, we demonstrate a robust approach utilizing atomic gas-migration for the in-situ synthesis of stable and homogeneous intermetallic alloys for propane dehydrogenation (PDH). This approach relies on the physical mixture of two separately supported metal species in one reactor. The synthesized platinum-zinc intermetallic catalysts demonstrate exceptional stability for 1300 h in continuous propane dehydrogenation under industrially relevant industrial conditions, with extending 95% propylene selectivity and propane conversions approaching thermodynamic equilibrium values at 550–600 oC. In situ characterizations and density functional theory/molecular dynamics simulation reveal Zn atoms adsorb on the particle surface and then diffuse inward, aiding in the formation of ultrasmall and highly ordered intermetallic alloys. This in-situ gas-migration strategy is applicable to a wide range of intermetallic systems.

Fluidized Bed Chemical Vapor Deposition of Copper on Micronic Alumina Powders

AbstractUniformly coating micronic particles with metals is of main interest for a broad range of applications. This study demonstrates the feasibility of depositing pure copper on the surface of micronic alumina particles by the fluidized bed chemical vapor deposition process from the cheap and nontoxic copper acetylacetonate precursor. Thanks to the development of a preconditioning protocol, a complete fluidization of the particles organized as porous agglomerates was reached. The coating of the individual particles was favored by using conditions involving low deposition rates. The influence of key operating parameters on the process behavior and on the characteristics of the deposit was studied. The deposited copper was of cubic crystal structure without carbon nor oxide contamination.

Multifunctional gallium doped bioactive glasses: a targeted delivery for antineoplastic agents and tissue repair against osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the mostly commonly occurring primary bone cancer. Despite comprehensive treatment programs including neoadjuvant chemotherapy and tumour resection, survival rates have not improved significantly since the 1970s. Survival rates are dramatically reduced for patients who suffer a local recurrence. Furthermore, primary bone cancer patients are at increased risk of bone fractures. Consequently, there is an urgent need for alternative treatment options. In this paper we report the development of novel gallium doped bioactive glass that selectively kill bone cancer cells whilst simultaneously stimulating new bone growth. Here we show, using a combination of 3-(4.5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2.5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, LIVE/DEAD assays and image analysis, that bioactive glasses containing gallium oxide are highly toxic and reduce both the proliferation and migration of bone cancer cells (Saos-2) in a dose dependant manner. Glasses containing 5 mol% gallium oxide reduced the viability of OS cells by 99% without being cytotoxic to the non-cancerous normal human osteoblasts (NHOst) control cells. Furthermore, Fourier transform infrared and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy results confirmed the formation of an amorphous calcium phosphate/hydroxyapatite like layer on the surface of the bioactive glass particulates, after 7 d incubating in simulated body fluid, indicating the early stages of bone formation. These materials show significant potential for use in bone cancer applications as part of a multimodal treatment.

Optimization of solvent system for chitosan/polylactic acid/nanocellulose nanofibers using needleless electrospinning

AbstractNeedless electrospinning (NES) is the most advanced and robust method to generate biopolymeric nanofibers. NES overcomes the needle clogging and low throughput issues of conventional needle based electrospinning (ES). However, the issue with all ES techniques is the absence of generalized methods in the literature, and most of the work is being done empirically. The solvent system dictates the feasibility of the ES process, and solvent system based studies can help create more generalized ES methods. The current work provides a systematic approach to fabricating tribiopolymeric nanofibers. NES was used to fabricate chitosan (CS)/polylactic acid (PLA)/nanocellulose (NCC) based nanofibers by optimizing the solvent system using dichloromethane (DCM) and trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). Biopolymeric blend PLA/CS/NCC (10:0.1:0.05 w/v %) in various formulated solvent systems were made and analyzed for their physical properties (sedimentation rate, particle size, viscosity, and surface tension) and subjected to NES. The binary solvent system SS91 (DCM (90):TFA (10) %) showed the lowest sedimentation rate and viscosity while the highest particle size and surface tension, resulting in the beads free nanofibers. The viscosity and surface tension comparison were used to determine a critical point for the feasibility of nanofiber fabrication. Overall, the study showed a systematic approach for fabricating complex tri‐biopolymeric nanofibers in future.

ADVANCES IN NANOMATERIALS AS LUBRICANT ADDITIVES: A SYSTEMIC REVIEW

The paper provides an overview of the significance of nanomaterials as additives, in the tribological performance of lubricants. This review describes the ascendancy of different nanoparticles such as carbon-based nanoparticles, metallic nanoparticles, oxide nanoparticles, sulphide nanoparticles, nanocomposites, hybrid and bimetallic nanoparticles in lubricants. The study also evaluates the underlying principles of lubricant-nanoparticle interactions and their effects on wear prevention and friction reduction. The key parameters including particle morphology, particle size, weight concentration, and functionalization of the particle surface, that determine the friction and wear characteristics are discussed. Also, the science behind surface interaction and various mechanisms involved in friction and wear modification is described. The review highlights the prospect of various nanomaterials in the field of lubrication and facilitates development of advanced nanolubricants with superior tribological properties, that attributes to the reduction in energy consumption and improved performance.