Nanotribological Properties of Graphite Intercalation Compounds: AFM Studies

Tetraalkylammonium salts have larger ions than metal ions, which can greatly change the interlayer space and energy, andthen potentially tune the properties of graphite. In this work, various graphite intercalation compounds (GICs) have beensynthesized by intercalating tetraoctylammonium bromide (TOAB) ions into graphite through electrochemical interactions underdifferent reduction potentials. Different degrees of expansion between graphite layers as well as their corresponding structuresand topographies have been characterized by different analytical techniques. The nanoscale friction and wear properties of theseGICs have been investigated by AFM-based nanofrictional and scratch tests. The results show that electrochemical intercalationusing tetraalkylammonium salts with different interaction potentials can tune the friction and wear properties of graphite. Underrelatively large applied loads of AFM tips, friction increase and wear can be easier to occur with the increase of the intercalationpotential. It is inferred that the increases of both the interlayer space of graphite and the number of ions on the surface give rise topuckered effect and formation of rougher surfaces. This work gives us deep insight into the friction and wear properties of GICs ascomposite lubrication materials, which would be of great help for material design and preparation