<p> Polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) is a super-hard material widely used in various industrial fields. Nanoparticle additives can further improve the wear resistance and anti-friction performance of PDC, enhancing its performance and service life in practical applications. However, there are relatively few researches on the effects of different nano-additives on the tribological properties of PDC after cobalt leaching. In this study, the effects of nano-SiO₂, MoS₂, and graphene additives on the tribological properties of PDC after cobalt leaching were investigated. A series of surface characterization analyses were conducted to elucidate the lubrication mechanisms of these three nano-additives. The results showed that the weak van der Waals forces between the layers of nano-MoS₂ and the formation of a thicker friction-protective film have better lubrication effects compared to nano-SiO₂ and graphene. These research results can provide valuable references and guidance for the application of PDC and related fields for engineers and scientists.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>