Interfused core-shell heterogeneous graphene/MXene fiber aerogel for high-performance and durable electromagnetic...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Electromagnetics

Background:

• Growing demand for flexible, lightweight, and durable electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials to combat electromagnetic radiation pollution.
• Transition metal carbides/nitrides (MXenes) show promise due to high electrical conductivity, but suffer from oxidation and instability in wet environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and fabricate a novel core-shell heterogeneous aerogel with enhanced durability and EMI shielding properties.
• To overcome the oxidation susceptibility of MXenes in humid conditions.

Main Methods:

• Coaxial wet spinning and freeze-drying techniques were employed to create the reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/MXene aerogel (GMA) with an interfused core-shell structure.
• Characterization of EMI shielding effectiveness, specific EMI shielding effectiveness, and durability under prolonged exposure.

Main Results:

• The fabricated GMAs demonstrated exceptional EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) up to 83.3 dB and specific EMI SE of 3119 dB·cm³/g.
• GMAs exhibited superior durability, with only a 17.4% degradation in EMI shielding performance after 120 days, outperforming MXene films.
• The hydrophobic nature of GMAs also provided good oil/water separation and thermal insulation capabilities.

Conclusions:

• The developed interfused core-shell GMA is a highly promising material for durable EMI shielding applications.
• The protective graphene sheath effectively enhances the stability and reliability of MXenes in challenging environments.
• GMAs offer multifunctional potential for applications including thermal insulation, oil/water separation, and sensors.