Tailorable MoS2 quantum dots nanofluids via coordination-confined growth for high-performance lubrication.

Conventional solvent-free nanofluids hold promise as lubricants but often face challenges in intricate preparation and unadjustable performance. Herein, we developed a facile one-pot strategy for synthesizing MoS2 quantum dots (QDs) nanofluids (MoNFs) via a coordination-confined growth approach, which features cyan-fluorescent with an average size of 3.8 nm, homogeneously dispersed in a tailored ionic liquid matrix. The resulting MoNFs exhibit tunable viscosity and desirable shear-thinning behavior. When evaluated as lubricants, the optimal formulation (3MoNFs) decreases wear volume by 73.8% compared to the base fluid. Comprehensive characterization of worn track reveals a triplex synergistic lubrication integrating an electric-double-layer film, tribochemical reaction film and solid-like nanofluid layer, concurrently assisted with repairing pre-existing wear scars. Impressively, blending merely 0.7 wt% 3MoNFs into commercial SN 0 W-30 engine oil enhances its anti-wear performance by 47.5%, demonstrating outstanding potential for high-performance lubricants.