Polyethylene glycol derived carbon quantum dots nanofluids: An excellent lubricant for diamond-like carbon film/bearing steel contact

Polyethylene glycol derived carbon quantum dots nanofluids were synthesized via a slow thermal oxidation process. The size of carbon quantum dots was ca. 2 nm and had a decreasing trend with the increase of oxidation time. When used as lubricant in a diamond-like carbon film/bearing steel interface, the nanofluids achieved an ultra-low friction coefficient ( μ ≈ 0.02), much lower than that of original polyethylene glycol ( μ = 0.12). The worn...