Tribochemistry of imidazolium and phosphonium bis(oxalato)borate ionic liquids: Understanding the differences

Lubrication properties of imidazolium and phosphonium bis(oxalato)borate ionic liquids (ILs) are compared in a reciprocating sliding contact at 80 °C 140 °C. Both the influence alkyl chain length cation architecture on friction, wear lubricant breakdown investigated. Imidazolium ILs showed lower friction than though only phosphonium-based reduced wear. A longer case imidazolium-based ILs. Analysis scars was consistent with chemical solely anion. Chemical changes after tribotests were more pronounced for ILs, comparison tribofilm formation implicated catalysis by center, which, turn, had strong dependence surface self-assembly.