Ionic liquids gels with in situ modified multiwall carbon nanotubes towards high-performance lubricants

Two ionic liquids (ILs) gels were prepared by grinding multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in two kinds of ILs, and their physical and tribological properties were investigated in detail. Results demonstrate that ILs gels possess high conductivity and excellent tribological performance which mainly depends on the synergy of ILs and MWCNTs with their respective outstanding characteristics. ILs modified MWCNTs through van der Waals and π-π stacting interactions significantly improve the dispersibility and compatibility with lubricants, which greatly enhances the conductivity and tribological properties of the lubricants. The friction mechanism for the ILs gels is attributed to the synergetic lubrication of ILs and MWCNTs.