Multifunctional RGO-based films with “brick-slurry” structure: High-efficiency electromagnetic shielding performance, high strength and excellent environmental adaptability

Abstract

It is of vital importance to eliminate the electromagnetic interference of various electronic devices in military and civil fields. However, many researches focus on electromagnetic shielding while ignoring the practical environmental suitability of materials. In this work, the Dimethyl octadecyl (3- trimethoxylsilyl propyl) ammonium chloride (DMAOP) chains were introduced into reduced oxide graphene sheets to achieve the composite films (RGOFs) with “brick-slurry” structure by simple room temperature chemical reaction combined with vacuum filtration technology. Ultimately, the RGOFs exhibited multifunctional features, including great electromagnetic shielding (EMI) performance (above 6.6 × 10 4 dBꞏcm −1 ), high strength and toughness properties (∼240 MPa, 6.28%), and excellent environmental adaptability. The formed dense “brick-slurry” structure is conductive to the construction of conductive path, contributing to the high EMI. Further, molecular dynamics simulation, in situ scanning and in situ Raman illustrated that the DMAOP molecular chain could strengthen the orientation, stress transfer, and delay the crack propagation by connecting graphene sheets, resulting high strength and toughness. Besides, the obtained films also exhibited excellent antibacterial properties, and acid, alkali environment adaptability due to their special components and interface design scheme. This work can provide ideas for developing effective preparation approaches of graphene-based membranes with excellent properties in the context of the requirements of a new generation of high-performance materials. • RGO-based film with “brick-slurry” structure was prepared. • RGO films integrated with high-efficiency EMI performance, high strength and excellent environmental adaptability. • The specific shielding efficiency reach above 6.6 × 10 4 dBꞏcm −1 . • The enhanced strength and toughness mechanism was systematically illustrated.