Adsorbed and near-surface structure of ionic liquids determines nanoscale friction.

Surface-adsorbed and near-surface ion layer structure controls nanotribology in the silica-propylammonium nitrate (PAN)-mica system. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) imaging and normal force curves reveal that the normal load dictates the number of interfacial ion layers and the lateral layer structure. Shear force measurements show the lubricity of the interface changes with the number, and lateral structure, of the confined ion layer(s).