N-doped graphene oxide quantum dots (NGOQDs) with MoS2 and Al2O3 nanocomposites were prepared by solvothermal method. The morphology and the composition and structure of the prepared composites were characterized by TEM, XRD, Raman, ATR-FTIR, and XPS. Tribological behavior of NGOQDs-MoS2 and NGOQDs-Al2O3 nanocomposites as lubricant additive in aqueous glycerol were studied. Through experiments and MD simulations, the tribochemistry-induced lubrication mechanism was disclosed. The results shows that the combination of NGOQDs and hydrated glycerol can significantly improve lubrication performance, and the addition of NGOQDs-MoS2 and NGOQDs-Al2O3 nanoparticles can further improve tribological properties. The formation of a tribofilm through tribochemical induced lubrication mechanism improves the wear resistance of metal surfaces. Graphical abstract