In-situ tribo-induced formation of superb lubricious carbon-based tribofilms on the catalytical active MoN-Ag film surfaces

The establishment of environmentally friendly lubrication systems is of significant importance to the sustainable development. Here, we demonstrated an environmentally friendly approach, where superb lubricious carbon-based tribofilms formed in situ originating from base oil through tribochemical reactions, on the surfaces of catalytically active MoN-Ag film. We focused on the study of the tribological behavior of the MoN-Ag/oil solid-liquid system under varying loads. Through detailed characterization analysis of the carbon-based tribofilms, we elucidated the mechanism of friction reduction and wear resistance of the MoN-Ag film in the base oil, as well as the formation mechanism of carbon-based tribofilms. Furthermore, we provided a thermodynamic perspective to clarify the influence of load on the tribo-induced tribochemical reactions within the MoN-Ag/oil solid-liquid system. [Display omitted] •Superb lubricious carbon-based tribofilms formed from base oil with MoN-Ag film through tribo-induced.•Effects of load on the tribological behavior of the MoN-Ag/oil solid-liquid system.•The mechanisms of friction reduction and wear resistance under varying loads are discussed.•The mechanism of tribochemical reactions was investigated from a thermodynamic perspective.