Nano CuO-embedded polyaniline films as efficient broadband electromagnetic shields

Abstract

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) is the undesirable consequence of advances in electronic technology and is perilous to the proper working of electronic devices, the environment and health. Shielding materials capable of curbing the ill effects of stray radiation are widely employed in electronic circuits and sensitive devices. Conducting polymers are excellent candidates due to their intriguing and tunable electronic properties. They offer high scope for designing and developing lightweight shields with performance efficiency much superior to their metallic counterparts. The present work highlights the development of high dielectric constant, micrometre thin films of polyaniline/cupric oxide (PANI/CuO) nanocomposites capable of attenuating more than 99.99% of the incident electromagnetic radiation over a broad frequency range. The best performing hybrid film show maximum absorption coefficients (A) close to 0.5 (where R = 0.5) in the S-band and around 0.92 (where R = 0.08) in the X-band frequencies. Incredible shielding effectiveness values as high as 83 dB at par with commercial standards are realised in micrometre thick films, offering ample scope for designing cost-effective, highly efficient and flexible shields.