Green laser irradiation-stimulated fullerene-like MoS2 nanospheres for tribological applications

Tremendous mechanical energy loss on friction and serious mechanical failures caused by wear are attracting more and more researchers studying on friction and lubrication to ease the situation of energy shortage. We demonstrate a novel and green laser-assisted solution growth strategy for ideal fullerene-like MoS2 nanospheres, in which both the morphology reshaping and bond reconstructing processes of MoS2 nanoflakes are involved in the one-step laser irradiation under ambient conditions. Due to the spherical shape, solid structure, and improved chemical stability, such MoS2 nanospheres as additives in paraffin liquid can effectively reduce the friction coefficient (∼47% reduction) and enhance the extreme pressure property (>2.24 GPa).