SynergisticLubrication Achieved by Proton-Ionic Liquidsand MoS₂ as High-Performance Water-Based Lubricant Additives

Two-dimensional materials and ionic liquids are widely used as lubricating materials due to their excellent tribological properties. This study designed three water-based proton-ionic liquids (PILs) and synthesized molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) nanosheets for their combination as water-based lubricant additives. The composite lubrication system exhibits excellent tribological properties, with a friction coefficient as low as 0.024, reducing friction by 90.77% compared to water–glycol. Mechanism studies have shown that the excellent lubrication performance comes from the adsorption of ionic liquids at sliding interfaces, the interlayer slip of MoS₂, and the generation of tribofilms at wear scars. This work provides theoretical support and technical guidance for the design and preparation of new water-based lubricating additives.