A multi-dimensional and level-by-level assembly strategy for constructing flexible and sandwich-type...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Electromagnetics

Background:

• Growing demand for portable electronics necessitates effective solutions against electromagnetic pollution.
• Current flexible, lightweight, and high-performance electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials face significant development challenges.
• Environmental friendliness is a key consideration for next-generation shielding materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel, flexible, and high-performance electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials.
• To explore a creative multi-dimensional and level-by-level assembly strategy for nanoheterostructures.
• To investigate the potential of cotton-derived carbon fibers (CFs), nickel nanoparticles (Ni NPs), and dandelion-like graphene (DLG) for EMI shielding.

Main Methods:

• A multi-dimensional and level-by-level assembly strategy was employed.
• Magnetron sputtering-plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition was used for material fabrication.
• The composites were characterized for conductivity, EMI shielding effectiveness, and mechanical properties.

Main Results:

• The DLG/Ni NPs/CF composites achieved a conductivity of 625 S m^-1.
• An outstanding EMI shielding effectiveness of approximately 50.6 dB in the X-band was recorded, qualifying for "AAAA" attenuation levels.
• The ultrathin and ultralight composites exhibited excellent flexibility, bendability, and foldability.

Conclusions:

• The developed nanoheterostructures demonstrate remarkable EMI shielding performance and excellent mechanical properties.
• Dielectric loss from multiple polarizations, enhanced by DLG's surface area and defects, is the primary mechanism for electromagnetic loss.
• This novel structural design opens promising avenues for next-generation EMI shielding materials.