The present application is directed to methods and devices for altering material properties of lubricants and other cross-linkable compounds comprising organic or organometallic materials through exposure to energized gaseous species. The energized gaseous species may create reactive sites among lubricant molecules that may alter their material properties by cross-linking at least a portion of the lubricant molecules. The cross-linked lubricant may reduce the ability of the lubricant to migrate away when force is applied between lubricated sliding friction surfaces.
