Core@shell and sandwich-like Ti3C2Tx@Ni particles with enhanced electromagnetic interference shielding performance

Abstract

Novel and highly effective electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials are desirable to attenuate unwanted electromagnetic radiation or interference produced by electrical communication devices. Here, functional Ti3C2Tx@Ni particles with a core@shell and sandwich like structure were fabricated using the facile electroless plating technique. The core@shell structured Ti3C2Tx@Ni consists of a Ti3C2Tx core and a Ni shell. In the core, thin Ni layers are sandwiched in between Ti3C2Tx flakes. EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) values of Ti3C2Tx@Ni/wax composites increased with increasing Ti3C2Tx@Ni content. The average EMI SE value of 60 wt% Ti3C2Tx@Ni/wax composite was 43.12 dB, increased by 73% as compared with 24.93 dB for the same content of pristine Ti3C2Tx in wax in the frequency range 2–18 GHz. An average EMI SE of 74.14 dB was achieved in the 80 wt% Ti3C2Tx@Ni/wax. The enhanced EMI shielding performance should be ascribed to the synergic effect of the absorption loss of the Ti3C2Tx core and the magnetic loss of the Ni shell and the inner Ni layers.