Synthesis and tribological properties of hexagonal NbSe2 nanoplates

Hexagonal NbSe₂ nanoplates have been successfully prepared via solid-state reaction by a ball-milled mixture of Nb and Se powders. The as-prepared products are characterised by an X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that the NbSe₂ nanoplates have a hexagonal structure and the sizes of nanoplates are about 1 μm in diameter and 100-300 nm in thickness. The tribological properties of hexagonal NbSe₂ nanoplates as a lubrication additive in paraffin base oil were investigated by a UMT-2 ball-on-plate friction and wear tester. The wear scars were measured by a VEECO WYKO NT1100 non-contact optical profile testing instrument. The study shows that under determinate conditions, the friction coefficient of the base oil containing NbSe₂ nanoplates is lower than that of pure base oil, and it decreases with the increase of mass percent of NbSe₂ powders when its proportion is lower than 2 wt%.