Thermally conductive MWCNTs/Fe3O4/Ti3C2T MXene multi-layer films for broadband electromagnetic interference shielding

Abstract

• MWCNTs/Fe 3 O 4 /Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene composite film with multi-layer architecture was fabricated by a facile method. • The obtained composite film exhibited high comprehensive performance, including high thermal conduction property and broadband EMI shielding property. • The EMI shielding mechanism of the composite film was comprehensively disclosed. The Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene is thought to be a promising candidate for next-generation electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials. However, its broadband shielding capability and thermal conduction performance are insufficient to meet the growing demands. Herein, we reported a layer-by-layer composite film composed of Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles. Benefitting from the architecture and the synergistic effect of components, the obtained composite film exhibited high comprehensive performance. Specifically, the introduction of Fe 3 O 4 magnetic nanoparticles effectively reduced the impedance mismatch between the composite film and air and enhanced the magnetic loss of the composite film. The layered structure prolonged the transmission path of electromagnetic waves inside the composite film and constructed a rich conductive network, causing interfacial polarization and ohmic loss. The results indicated that the composite film (52 μm) delivered a high EMI shielding effectiveness of 49 dB in the frequency range from X-band to K u -band. Furthermore, the MWCNTs layers in the composite films provided numerous heat transfer channels, reducing phonon scattering during heat transfer and resulting in a maximum thermal conductivity of 8.241 W/(m K).