Electrodeposition of molybdenum disulfide dry film lubricant coatings

A method of coating a bearing surface with a lubricant coating, comprising:

• immersing a bearing including a surface and an electrode in an electrolyte bath, wherein the electrolyte bath includes an aqueous electrolyte solution including sodium metabisulfite (Na2S2O5), sodium molybdate (Na2MoO4·2H2O), a pH modifier, an anionic surfactant, and water;
• applying a first pulsed direct current through the aqueous electrolyte solution using a direct current power supply, wherein the polarity of the current causes the bearing to provide an anode and the electrode to provide a cathode;
• and
• forming a molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) layer on the surface of the bearing.

A vehicle comprising:

• an electric drive unit including a battery, a power electronic module connected to the battery, an electric motor connected to the power electronic module, and a transmission connected to the electric motor;
• an inverter included in the power electronic module;
• a motor shaft connected to the electric motor;
• a bearing rotatably supporting the motor shaft, wherein the bearing includes a surface;
• and
• a coating including a molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) layer disposed on the surface, wherein the molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) layer is in the range of 0.1 micrometer and 4 micrometers in thickness.