Progress in 2D materials based Nanolubricants: A review

The growing worldwide population necessitates an urgent need and demand for efficient and sustainable energy use, particularly in the moving components of machinery. A significant reduction in energy consumption and low system maintenance could be achieved by countering the tribological issues of friction and wear by introducing two-dimensional (2D) materials as promising lubricant additives. This article reviews the last decade's developments using 2D materials in lubrication applications, with a special emphasis on layered nanomaterials such as graphene, MXene Ti3C2Tx, and black phosphorus, as well as transition metal dichalcogenides (molybdenum disulphate, tungsten disulphate). The synthesis of 2D nanomaterials is discussed first, followed by the benefits and drawbacks of each synthesis technique to provide a framework for researchers to determine which synthesis method is best for their research. Furthermore, this review provides an overview of the state-of-the-art development of 2D nanomaterials in the field of tribology from 2011 to 2022 and a detailed investigation of liquid- and solid-based lubricating systems. Finally, towards the end of this review, the tailback issues and future challenges of these 2D materials are deliberated and highlighted, providing some new ideas for future research studies.