Graphene, famous for its two-dimensional hexagonal lattice structure, stands out in the scientific community for its extraordinary properties, such as high thermal conductivity, exceptional mechanical strength, and high specific surface area. These characteristics are particularly advantageous in tribology, where graphene’s layered structure and weak Van der Waals forces significantly reduce friction and wear in lubrication systems. Despite notable advances in the use of graphene-based nanomaterials, several challenges hinder their practical applications. These include the ongoing problems of material wear and energy losses of mechanical and engine components, which not only increase operational costs, but also contribute to environmental degradation through excessive CO2 emissions.

This research topic is dedicated to advancing the understanding and development of graphene-based nanomaterials in lubrication. The objective is to explore innovative synthesis techniques, to elucidate the mechanisms by which graphene improves tribological performance, and to assess the environmental impact of these technologies. Ultimately, the goal is to advance the creation of state-of-the-art lubricants that significantly reduce friction and wear, thereby promoting more sustainable industrial processes and helping to reduce global energy consumption.

Addressing critical societal challenges such as global warming and high energy demands requires innovative solutions, particularly in the context of industrial machinery and transport systems, where energy efficiency can lead to significant environmental benefits. Efficient lubricant technology could drastically reduce energy waste in engines and mechanical parts, potentially saving billions of liters of fuel annually and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Contributions to this research topic should focus on, but not be limited to, the following areas:

• New synthesis methods for graphene-based nanomaterials.
• Detailed analyzes of the tribological roles and mechanisms of graphene.
• Applications of graphene nanomaterials in environmental technologies, including wastewater treatment and photocatalytic CO2 reduction.
• Advanced characterization techniques for studying graphene-based systems.
• Relevant interdisciplinary research contributing to the wider understanding and application of graphene in tribological applications.

By promoting a diverse range of research articles, reviews and perspectives, this research topic aims to converge scientific research and technological innovation to address some of the most pressing energy and environmental challenges of our time.

Key words: Graphene, friction, wear, mechanical strength, layered model

Important note: All contributions to this research topic must fall within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to refer an out-of-scope manuscript to a more appropriate section or journal at any stage of peer review.

Graphene, famous for its two-dimensional hexagonal lattice structure, stands out in the scientific community for its extraordinary properties, such as high thermal conductivity, exceptional mechanical strength, and high specific surface area. These characteristics are particularly advantageous in tribology, where graphene’s layered structure and weak Van der Waals forces significantly reduce friction and wear in lubrication systems. Despite notable advances in the use of graphene-based nanomaterials, several challenges hinder their practical applications. These include the ongoing problems of material wear and energy losses of mechanical and engine components, which not only increase operational costs, but also contribute to environmental degradation through excessive CO2 emissions.

This research topic is dedicated to advancing the understanding and development of graphene-based nanomaterials in lubrication. The objective is to explore innovative synthesis techniques, to elucidate the mechanisms by which graphene improves tribological performance, and to assess the environmental impact of these technologies. Ultimately, the goal is to advance the creation of state-of-the-art lubricants that significantly reduce friction and wear, thereby promoting more sustainable industrial processes and helping to reduce global energy consumption.

Addressing critical societal challenges such as global warming and high energy demands requires innovative solutions, particularly in the context of industrial machinery and transport systems, where energy efficiency can lead to significant environmental benefits. Efficient lubricant technology could drastically reduce energy waste in engines and mechanical parts, potentially saving billions of liters of fuel annually and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Contributions to this research topic should focus on, but not be limited to, the following areas:

• New synthesis methods for graphene-based nanomaterials.
• Detailed analyzes of the tribological roles and mechanisms of graphene.
• Applications of graphene nanomaterials in environmental technologies, including wastewater treatment and photocatalytic CO2 reduction.
• Advanced characterization techniques for studying graphene-based systems.
• Relevant interdisciplinary research contributing to the wider understanding and application of graphene in tribological applications.

By promoting a diverse range of research articles, reviews and perspectives, this research topic aims to converge scientific research and technological innovation to address some of the most pressing energy and environmental challenges of our time.

Key words: Graphene, friction, wear, mechanical strength, layered model

Important note: All contributions to this research topic must fall within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to refer an out-of-scope manuscript to a more appropriate section or journal at any stage of peer review.