MAXMETRIB

The shift towards renewable energy and sustainable transportation is essential for reducing harmful emissions. However, we shouldn`t overlook the importance of saving energy in the first place. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), about 30% of the total reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions comes from using energy more efficiently. This involves improving technology and opting for products that require less energy to operate. A key area that can help with this is tribology, the study of friction and wear between moving surfaces. Almost every industry relies on machines that have many moving parts, making tribology crucial for keeping these machines running smoothly and sustainably. Research by Holmberg and Erdemir suggests that 23% of global energy consumption is linked to these frictional contacts. Recently, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the need to significantly increase the production of renewable energy and improve energy efficiency during his speech at the climate change conference in Dubai. This is where tribology and innovative lubrication techniques come into play. Lubricants are substances introduced between moving parts to reduce friction and wear, with traditional options being petroleum-based oils. However, as oil resources decrease and the demand for better performance grows, especially in extreme conditions, these liquid lubricants are reaching their limits. New technologies in lubrication are expected to play a significant role in minimizing friction and wear. One promising area of research involves materials known as two-dimensional (2D) materials, like graphene and MoS2. These materials have shown exceptional properties even when used in very thin layers. Some studies report extremely low friction, a phenomenon called superlubricity, which could greatly enhance machine efficiency. A relatively new group of 2D materials is called MXenes, which were first discovered in 2011. MXenes are made from layers, just a few atoms thick and come in various forms. So far, many different MXenes have been created, and researchers believe there is still more to discover. Their unique structures make MXenes ideal for studying how different factorslike thickness and chemical makeupaffect their performance in reducing friction. This research aims to explore how the thickness and composition of MXenes influence their effectiveness as solid lubricants. Specifically, we will investigate various MXene types like Ti 2CTx and Ti3C2Tx, focusing on how their surfaces can be modified to enhance their tribological properties.