Tribological studies of rhenium doped fullerene-like MoS2 nanoparticles in boundary, mixed and elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication conditions

► The tribological properties of Re doped MoS2 nanoparticles were studied. ► These nanoparticles were compared to undoped nanoparticles (MoS2, WS2) and platelets. ► We observed sharp reduction in friction and wear of oil suspensions with nanoparticles. ► Re-doped nanoparticles exhibited the lowest friction and wear.