Synthesis and tribological properties of hexagonal NbSe 2 nanoplates

Hexagonal NbSe 2 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 NbSe 2 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 NbSe 2 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 NbSe 2 nanoplates is lower than that of pure base oil, and it decreases with the increase of mass percent of NbSe 2 powders when its proportion is lower than 2 wt%.