Reinforcing and toughening bacterial cellulose/MXene films assisted by interfacial multiple cross-linking for electromagnetic interference shielding and photothermal response

Abstract

Ultrathin MXene composite films, with their flexibility, metal-level conductivity, and multifunction compatibility, are an ideal choice for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials in future developments. Nonetheless, the dilemma between electrical conductivity and robustness in these composite films remains a challenge. Herein, an ammonium polyphosphate (APP) assisted interfacial multiple cross-linking strategy, achieved via simple solution blending and filtration, was employed to reinforce and toughen the “brick–mortar” layered MXene/bacterial cellulose (MBCA) films without compromising their conductivity and EMI shielding ability. The introduction of a small amount of APP leads to multiple interfacial interactions between MXene and bacterial cellulose, resulting in significant enhancements in mechanical strength (360.8 MPa), Young's modulus (2.8 GPa), fracture strain (17.3%), and toughness (34.1 MJ/m3). Concurrently, the MBCA film displayed satisfactory conductivity values of 306.7 S/cm and an EMI SE value of 41 dB upon optimizing the MXene content. Additionally, the MBCA film demonstrated a consistent, rapid-response photothermal conversion capability, achieving a photothermal conversion temperature of 97 °C under a light intensity of 200 mW/m2. Consequently, this tough and multifunctional EMI shielding film holds substantial promise for protecting electronic equipment.