Nanotribology at carbon interface formed by graphene and fullerenes

抄録

Searching for low-friction conditions for moving a microscopic machine is an essential requirement for improving energy savings. The nanotribology of the carbon interface formed by graphene and fullerenes was investigated using frictional force microscopy measurements and molecular mechanics simulation to solve this problem from the viewpoint of nanotechnology. The effects of the loading force, scanning direction, orientation angle, and intercalated fullerene species on nanoscale friction at the fullerene/graphene interface (fullerene molecular bearings) and graphene/graphene interface were investigated. For example, the utilization of the loading force for C₆₀ molecular bearings is expected to lead to the development of a device for controlling the on–off of the superlubric state. The anisotropy of nanoscale friction was analyzed based on the theory of superlubricity. The frictional force is maximized for the commensurate contact of the honeycomb lattice at the interface, and the frictional force rapidly decreases because of an increased lattice mismatch.