Frictional characteristics of nano-confined water mediated hole-doped single-layer graphene on silica surface

We have investigated the frictional properties of single-layer graphene (SLG) coated rough silica substrate under the influence of nano-confined hydration layer underneath SLG. Through the friction and surface potential measurements by atomic force microscopy (AFM), we found polygonal features in AFM images of SLG-protected silica surface that exhibit simultaneously larger friction and higher surface potential as compared to their surrounding areas due to water layers confined under SLG. Nano-confined water layers at the SLG-silica interface can induce the hole-doping effect in SLG, resulting in a more positively-charged and hydrophilic surface that favors adsorption of ambient water molecules. Therefore, during friction measurements, nanoscale capillary bridges can form within the interstices of AFM probe-SLG contact, leading to larger adhesion and friction. The friction forces were found to respectively have negative and positive dependence on the sliding velocity inside and outside the polygonal regions due to different surface wettability. Hence, it is possible to manipulate the frictional properties of SLG-coated silica by the amount of hydration layer confined underneath SLG. Our results may find applications in friction control for future nano-devices.