Surface Functionalization of WS2 Nanosheets with Alkyl Chains for Enhancement of Dispersion Stability and Tribological Properties

Tungsten disulfide (WS 2 ) exhibits intriguing tribological properties and has been explored as an excellent lubricious material in thin-film and solid lubricants. However, the poor dispersibility of WS 2 has been a major challenge for its utilization in liquid lubricant applications. Herein, a top-down integrated approach is presented to synthesize oxygenated WS 2 (WS 2 –O) nanosheets via strong acid-mediated oxidation and ultrasound-assisted exfoliation. The ultrathin sheets of WS 2 –O, comprising 4–7 molecular lamellae, exhibit oxygen/hydroxyl functionalities. The organosilanes having variable surface-active leaving groups (chloro and ethoxy) are covalently grafted, targeting the hydroxyl/oxygen functionalities on the surface of WS 2 –O nanosheets. The grafting of organosilanes is governed by the reactivity of chloro and ethoxy leaving groups. The DFT calculations further support the covalent interaction between the WS 2 –O nanosheets and organosilanes. The alkyl chain-functionalized WS 2 –O nanosheets displayed excellent dispersibility in mineral lube base oil. A minute dose of chemically functionalized-WS 2 (0.2 mg.mL –1 ) notably enhanced the tribological properties of mineral lube oil by reducing the friction coefficient (52%) and wear volume (79%) for a steel tribopair. Raman analysis of worn surfaces revealed WS 2 -derived lubricious thin film formation. The improved tribological properties are attributed to ultralow thickness, stable dispersion, and low shear strength of chemically functionalized WS 2 nanosheets, along with protective thin film formation over the contact interfaces of a steel tribopair. The present work opens a new avenue toward exploiting low-dimensional nanosheets for minimizing energy losses due to high friction.