Asymmetric multilayered MXene-AgNWs/cellulose nanofiber composite films with antibacterial properties for high-efficiency electromagnetic interference shielding

Abstract

• Multilayer films containing cellulose nanofiber (CNF) layers, CNF/MXene layers, and CNF/silver nanowires (CNF/AgNWs) layers were fabricated by an efficient and easy-to-use vacuum filtration method. • The effects of different conductive layers order and different number of layers on electromagnetic shielding performance were investigated. • Due to the excellent layered structure, the MXene-AgNWs/cellulose nanofiber composite film exhibits excellent EMI shielding capability at an ultra-thin thickness. • Benefiting from the properties of silver nanowires, the multifunctional shielding composite exhibits excellent antibacterial properties and better environmental adaptability. Flexible, lightweight, robust and versatile properties are essential for the next generation of wearable as well as intelligent electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials. In this work, multilayered films containing cellulose nanofiber (CNF) layers, CNF/MXene layers, and CNF/silver nanowires (CNF/AgNWs) layers were fabricated by an efficient and easy-to-use vacuum filtration method. Compared with a uniformly mixed film, the resultant layered composite films that loaded with a low MXene and AgNWs content exhibit superior mechanical properties with a tensile strength of 137 MPa, a strain at break of 5.7%, excellent EMI shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) of 61.9 dB, and higher EMI SE/t of 20,653 dB cm −1 . This is attributed to the high-performance CNF substrate, the highly efficient layered structures, and extensive hydrogen-bonding interactions. In particular, a high degree of ohmic loss of multiple interfaces and polarization relaxation of local defects, as well as an abundance of terminal groups, favor the loss of electromagnetic waves (EMW) within the material. In addition, the prepared multifunctional layered composite films also show good antibacterial properties. As a result, the obtained new kind of flexible layered structure EMI shielding composite films with excellent EMI shielding performance, and mechanical properties present promising application prospects in the fields of EMI shielding and protection for aerospace, portable, and wearable flexible electronic devices.