Superlubricity of Sputtered MoS₂ Film in Dry Air Enabled by Proton Irradiation

The article delves into the innovative use of proton irradiation to transform sputtered MoS2 films into highly crystalline nanocrystalline domains, significantly improving their tribological performance and lifetime under dry air conditions. This approach addresses the longstanding challenge of maintaining superlubricity in MoS2 films under ambient conditions, offering a promising solution for reducing friction and wear in mechanical systems. The study employs advanced characterization techniques such as FE-SEM, AFM, Raman spectroscopy, and XRD to analyze the structural changes induced by proton irradiation. Tribological tests reveal that proton-irradiated MoS2 films exhibit superlubricity with a coefficient of friction ranging from 0.002 to 0.008 and a significantly extended lifetime compared to unirradiated films. These findings have the potential to revolutionize the field of tribology by providing more durable and efficient lubrication solutions for a wide range of applications.