Improved Mechanical Strength of Dicatechol Crosslinked MXene Films for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• MXene films offer excellent electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding but suffer from poor mechanical properties and oxidation, limiting their use.
• Developing robust and flexible MXene-based materials is crucial for advanced electronic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the mechanical flexibility and EMI shielding effectiveness of MXene films.
• To create a novel 'brick-mortar' composite structure using MXene nanosheets and a mussel-inspired molecule.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of dicatechol-6 (DC), a mussel-inspired molecule.
• Fabrication of MXene/DC composite films (MX@DC) with a brick-mortar architecture.
• Characterization of mechanical properties (toughness, Young's modulus) and EMI shielding effectiveness (SE).

Main Results:

• The MX@DC-2 film exhibited significantly improved toughness (+513%) and Young's modulus (+849%) compared to bare MXene films.
• The MX@DC-5 film achieved an EMI shielding effectiveness of 66.2 dB, surpassing bare MXene films (61.5 dB).
• Electrically insulating DC coating optimized electrical conductivity while maintaining high EMI shielding.

Conclusions:

• The mussel-inspired DC molecule effectively reinforces MXene films, creating a synergistic enhancement in mechanical strength and EMI shielding.
• The developed MX@DC films show great potential for reliable and practical applications in demanding environments.
• This strategy offers a pathway for overcoming the limitations of pristine MXene films for broader technological adoption.