Design/methodology/approach Si3N4-based composite ceramics (SN-2L) containing nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (N-GQDs) were prepared by hot press sintering process through adding 2 Wt.% nanolignin as precursor to the Si3N4 matrix, and the dry friction and wear behaviors of Si3N4-based composite against TC4 disc were performed at the different loads by using pin-on-disc tester. Findings The friction coefficients and wear rates of SN-2L composite against TC4 were significantly lower than those of the single-phase Si3N4 against TC4 at the load range from 15 to 45 N. At higher load of 45 N, SN-2L/TC4 pair presented the lowest friction coefficient of 0.25, and the wear rates of the pins and discs were as low as 1.76 × 10−6 and 2.59 × 10−4mm3/N·m. The low friction and wear behavior could be attributed to the detachment of N-GQDs from the ceramic matrix to the worn surface at the load of 30 N or higher, and then an effective lubricating film containing N-GQDs, SiO2, TiO2 and Al2SiO5 formed in the worn surface. While, at the same test condition, the friction coefficient of the single-phase Si3N4 against TC4 was at a range from 0.45 to 0.58. The spalling and cracking morphology formed on the worn surface of single-phase Si3N4, and the wear mechanism was mainly dominated by adhesive and abrasive wear. Originality/value Overall, a high-performance green ceramic composite was prepared, and the composite had a good potential for application in engineering tribology fields (such as aerospace bearings). Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-05-2024-0161/