Graphene Slides Smoothly Across Gold
March 7, 2016 | Technische Universität DresdenEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Since it produces almost no friction at all, it could drastically reduce energy loss in machines when used as a coating, as the researchers report in the journal Science.
In future, graphene could be used as an extremely thin coating, resulting in almost zero energy loss between mechanical parts. This is based on the exceptionally high lubricity--or so-called superlubricity--of modified carbon in the form of graphene. Applying this property to mechanical and electromechanical devices would not only improve energy efficiency but also considerably extend the service life of the equipment.
Fathoming out the causes of the lubricant behavior
An international community of physicists have studied the above-average lubricity of graphene using a two-pronged approach combining experimentation and computation. To do this, they anchored two-dimensional strips of carbon atoms--so-called graphene nanoribbons--to a sharp tip and dragged them across a gold surface. Computer-based calculations were used to investigate the interactions between the surfaces as they moved across one another. Using this approach, the research team is hoping to fathom out the causes of superlubricity; until now, little research has been carried out in this area.
By studying the graphene nanoribbons, the researchers hope to learn about more than just the slip behavior. Measuring the mechanical properties of the carbon-based material also makes sense because it offers excellent potential for a whole range of applications in the field of coatings and micromechanical switches. In future, even electronic switches could be replaced by nanomechanical switches, which would use less energy for switching on and off than conventional transistors.
The experiments revealed almost perfect, frictionless movement. It is possible to move graphene nanoribbons with a length of 5 to 50 nanometers using extremely small forces (2 to 200 piconewtons). There is a high degree of consistency between the experimental observations and the computer simulation.
A discrepancy between the model and reality appears only at greater distances (five nanometers or more) between the measuring tip and the gold surface. This is probably because the edges of the graphene nanoribbons are saturated with hydrogen, which was not accounted for in the simulations.
"Our results help us to better understand the manipulation of chemicals at the nano level and pave the way for creating frictionless coatings," write the researchers.
Suggested Items
Ansys, TSMC Enable a Multiphysics Platform for Optics and Photonics, Addressing Needs of AI, HPC Silicon Systems
04/25/2024 | PRNewswireAnsys announced a collaboration with TSMC on multiphysics software for TSMC's Compact Universal Photonic Engines (COUPE). COUPE is a cutting-edge Silicon Photonics (SiPh) integration system and Co-Packaged Optics platform that mitigates coupling loss while significantly accelerating chip-to-chip and machine-to-machine communication.
T-Global Technology Offers Solutions for Thermal Management Challenges
04/10/2024 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamJames Hopkins from T-Global discusses the company's focus on thermal management products, including thermal interface materials, heat sinks, and thermal simulation services. He highlights the importance of collaborating with mechanical engineers and addressing challenges in balancing thermal performance and mechanical requirements. Hopkins also mentions the role of thermal simulation in guiding product recommendations and the significance of early collaboration among stakeholders for optimal product outcomes.
The Exploration Company Leverages Ansys to Promote Sustainability in Space
04/05/2024 | ANSYSSpace logistics startup The Exploration Company is advancing sustainable space exploration by leveraging Ansys simulation solutions to develop its modular and reusable space vehicle, Nyx.
Ansys Forms OEM Partnership with SynMatrix to Accelerate RF Filter Design
04/01/2024 | ANSYSAnsys announced a new OEM partnership with SynMatrix to streamline RF filter design workflows for wireless communications applications. SynMatrix develops industry-leading RF filter design and optimization tools that integrate with HFSS electromagnetic simulation.
Altair SimSolid Transforms Simulation for Electronics Industry
03/29/2024 | AltairAltair, a global leader in computational intelligence, announced the upcoming release of Altair SimSolid for electronics, bringing game-changing fast, easy, and precise multi-physics scenario exploration for electronics, from chips, PCBs, and ICs to full system design.