The present overview will focus on the tribological applications of what we have called ionanocarbon lubricants, that is, the combination of carbon nanophases (graphene, carbon nanotubes, nanodiamonds, carbon nanodots) and room-temperature ionic liquids in new dispersions, blends, or modified nanostructures and their use in tribology, lubrication, and surface engineering as friction-reducing, antiwear, and surface-protecting agents in thin films and composite materials. Further research lines and factors that limit the practical applications of the outstanding research results are also highlighted. The very recent results in these lines of research make this a necessary brief review.

This overview covers the most recent developments in the field of ionic nanofluid lubricants, defined as dispersions of nanoparticles with ionic liquids through the activation of nanophases. The nanophases range from metal nanoparticles and ceramic inorganic nanoparticles, to different carbon nanophases. The combinations with room-temperature ionic liquids can be in the form of mixtures, dispersions, surface-modified nanophases, or chemically-functionalized nanophases. The new ionic nanofluids can be used as base lubricants, as lubricant additives, or as anti-friction and wear-reducing additives in new nanocomposite materials.