Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Research Articles

MXene@c-MWCNT Adhesive Silica Nanofiber Membranes Enhancing Electromagnetic Interference Shielding and Thermal Insulation Performance in Extreme Environments

HighlightsThe SiO2 nanofiber membranes and MXene@c-MWCNT6:4 as one unit layer (SMC1) were bonded together with 5 wt% PVA solution.When the structural unit is increased to three layers, the resulting SMC3 has an average electromagnetic interference SET of 55.4 dB and a low thermal conductivity of 0.062 W m−1 K−1.SMCx exhibit stable electromagnetic interference shielding and excellent thermal insulation even in extreme heat and cold environment.

A Journey from Structured Emulsion Templates to Multifunctional Aerogels

AbstractInterfacial jamming and assembly, facilitated by nanoparticle surfactant (NPS) complexation, demonstrate a remarkable efficacy in stabilizing multiphase systems, evident in structured liquid streams and structured Pickering emulsions. However, the utilization of structured liquid templates to tune multiple porosity levels of ultra‐flyweight aerogels is barely discussed. In this study, a structured Pickering emulsion is prepared through mixing an aqueous dispersion of graphene oxide (GO) with an organic (hexane) solution containing an active ligand. The emulsion is jetted into the same organic phase, resulting in “dual jamming”. This process produced worm‐like aerogels with porosity that can be precisely tailored at four different levels: i) voids between filaments, ii) cavities produced by evaporation of trapped hexane droplets, iii) pores generated from sublimation of water in the bulk of GO emulsion, and iv) microscopic regions trapped between GO flakes or fractures/holes within GO nanosheets. These aerogels exhibit ultra‐low density (1.67–2.3 mg cm−3), high compressibility, and shape recovery. The multi‐scale porosity, created by structural design, endows aerogels with a record‐level fluid sorption capacity (e.g., 615 g g−1 for chloroform). Additionally, the aerogels demonstrate an absorption‐dominant electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding mechanism, achieving a remarkable specific EMI shielding (SSE/t) of 67 178 dB cm2 g−1.

Mussel-like carbon fiber/MnO2 nanosheet heterostructures for mechanically strong carbon fiber/polyamide composites with excellent electromagnetic interference shielding

In order to construct carbon fiber (CF) reinforced polyamide 6 (PA6) composites with both excellent mechanical properties and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties, in this paper, a multiscale coating of PDA-MnO2 is constructed on the CF surface based on the in-situ growth process of polydopamine (PDA) and δ-phase manganese dioxide (δ-MnO2) nanosheets. Interestingly, the introduction of PDA not only improves the yield and the crystal regularity of MnO2 nanosheets, but also enables the strength of CF to be maintained. The interlayer shear strength and interfacial shear strength of the modified CF/PA6 composites are increased by 19.45% and 37.45%, respectively, compared with those of the desized CF/PA6 composites. Meanwhile, the introduction of MnO2 nanosheets also improves the EMI shielding performance of the composites to commercial standards. The interfacial enhancement and EMI shielding mechanisms of the composites are elaborated, which enriches the theoretical system of CF composites for multifunctional applications.

Nanofiber derived MXene composite paper for electromagnetic shielding and thermal management

Despite the urgent demands in protecting wearable electronics from electromagnetic interference (EMI) in various conditions, it remains challenging to attain mechanically robust and flexible materials with both excellent EMI shielding and thermal managing performance. Herein, we report MXene composite paper that can provide multifunction with superior mechanical properties. To construct a hierarchical composite with 2D/0D reinforcements, the MXene paper is fabricated by hot pressing of electrospun Poly (vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) nanofibers incorporated with MXene nanosheets and carbon black nanoparticles. Due to the laminated structure connected by nanoparticles, the flexible composite paper shows remarkable mechanical strength and fatigue resistance that can provide stable EMI shielding effectiveness of 500 dB/mm even after 10000th cyclic rolling. Moreover, the high in-plane electrical conductivity and out-of-plane thermal conductivity allow a fast electrothermal heating and cooling behavior, which qualifies the MXene paper as multifunctional surface for wearable electronics.

Strain‐Tolerant Nanocomposite Conductors with Engineered Bicontinuous Phase System by Additive Liquid/Solid Assembly

AbstractIntrinsically stretchable conductors are vital components in next‐generation flexible electronics. However, solid conductive networks are generally vulnerable to external deformations due to their incompatible mechanical properties with the highly elastic substrates or matrixes. It is still challenging to achieve precisely controlled conductive structure with stable electromechanical performances. Herein, a nanocomposite conductor with 3D engineered bicontinuous phase system is developed, which is constructed by alternately arranged robust solid‐phase and conductive liquid‐phase via additive liquid/solid assembly. The proper rheological properties and extraordinary structural compatibility of the liquid‐phase prompt the formation of bridged structure within the 3D periodic solid‐phase main skeleton, giving rise to stable and even strain‐enhanced electrical and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties under external deformation. A negative resistance change of −37% along with unabated EMI shielding effectiveness and mechanical properties are obtained at 100% strain, showing negligible performance degradation even after 10,000 cycles of rigorous stretching and releasing. A strain‐tolerant pressure‐sensing device is further demonstrated using the liquid/solid nanocomposite structure, delivering a unique function of precisely recognizing the local pressure at large tensile loading interference. This work provides a new paradigm for the manufacturing of nanocomposites with desired functionalities using the adequate nanofiller reserve toward practical strain‐tolerant applications.

Multifunctional wearable Spider-Silk Inspired fabric for personal protection in extreme environments

Personal protective equipment (PPE) plays a vital role in healthcare, industry, and military settings, offering essential protection against various environmental hazards. However, the growing environmental challenges and demand for multifunctional integration make developing PPE that outperforms traditional single-function equipment a significant challenge. Herein, we present a flexible and wearable sandwich-structured film, fabricated by integrating an MXene core layer with Gd(OH)3/TPU outer layers through electrospinning and vacuum filtration process, simultaneously offering neutron and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, energy harvesting, and thermal management. Mimicking spider silk's crystalline and amorphous regions, the outer layers integrate Gd(OH)3 nanorods into TPU nanofibers, thereby enhancing hydrogen bonding and achieving a high tensile strength of 22.94 MPa. Extensive hydrogen-bonding interactions firmly bind the MXene conductive core layer to the gadolinium-rich magnetic outer layers, providing excellent neutron (μ = 22.95 cm−1) and EMI shielding (SE = 35.1 dB). Additionally, the film also functions as a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), capturing kinetic energy to power low-voltage electronic devices, reducing reliance on external power in harsh settings. Remarkably, its superior Joule heating capability rapidly reaches various temperature (up to 78.5 ℃) by regulating external voltage to meet diverse user requirements. This study paves the way for future advancements in the realm of multifunctional PPE.

Robust ZTO-reinforced Ag nanowire hybrid transparent conductive thin films with absorption-enhanced electromagnetic interference shielding property

Technological advances have accelerated the pursuit of transparent conducting thin films (TCFs) with superior mechanical properties, durability, efficient optoelectrical performance and substrate compatibility as a pivotal focus in the realm of flexible transparent electronics. Against this background, this work investigates the fabrication of multilayer silver nanowire (AgNW) thin films reinforced by zinc tin oxide (ZTO) thin film encapsulation on polycarbonate substrates by a combination of sputtering and spin-coating techniques. An investigation of the influence of AgNW percolation networks on the optoelectrical properties of ZTO/AgNW/ZTO hybrid thin films was carried out. The impact of ZTO protective layers on the enhancement of electrical properties, adhesivity, flexibility and environmental stability of the multilayer TCF was elucidated. Additionally, to explore the compatibility of the fabricated TCF in integrated device and stealth applications, its electromagnetic interference shielding properties were investigated. The hybrid TCF showed 99.47% EMI shielding efficiency with an absorption-dominant EMI shielding effectiveness of 22.7 dB in the x-band region.

Biobased, recyclable, and multi-functional high-performance composites for electromagnetic interference shielding

High-performance fiber-reinforced thermoset composites (FRTCs) are highly demanded in modern society but are challenged because they depend on nonrenewable fossil-based feedstocks, are hard to recycle after service, and lack advanced functions. Here, we report a methodology to fabricate sustainable, recyclable, high-performance, and multifunctional FRTCs from renewable feedstocks such as vanillin, glycerol triglycidyl ether, 1,10-diaminodecane, and basalt fiber. We designed a mussel-inspired approach to prepare high conductive basalt fiber (CBF), and combined the CBF with a fully biobased covalent adaptable network (CAN) based on dynamic imine bonds to produce the composites i.e., CAN/CBF laminar composites through a solvent-free method. The CAN/CBF composites showed highly reinforced mechanical properties and multiple functionalities including electromagnetic interference shielding, shape memory, and self-adhesion characters through combination in the advantages and functions of both CAN and CBF. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the CAN matrix and the reinforced CBF can be recycled separately and can be further reformed to the CAN/CBF composites due to the dynamic nature of the CAN matrix. Our study thus provides an urgently applicable approach for advanced manufacturing toward the green and circular advanced composites economy.

Graphene reinforced ceramic matrix composite (GRCMC) – state of the art

Abstract Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC) are widely used for manufacturing automobile parts aircraft components, biomedical and electronic devices. In recent years, graphene has found extensive applications in various fields like effective reinforcement in the development of metal matrix, polymer matrix and ceramic matrix composites. Literature reveals that more focus was on polymer and metal matrix composites reinforced with graphene when compared to ceramic matrix composites. In this manuscript, the effect and suitability of graphene as a reinforcement for fabricating ceramic matrix composite are presented. Further, the property evaluation, including mechanical and physical, characterization and microstructural evaluation of the CMCs developed with graphene as reinforcement is elaborated. The investigation of the reinforcing mechanisms and failure behavior of ceramic matrix composites reinforced with graphene, together with the development of novel processing techniques to solve manufacturing difficulties, are key areas of focus. Although many investigations have concentrated on enhancing the mechanical and electrical characteristics of ceramics by integrating graphene, more investigation is required to investigate the interfacial interaction between graphene and the ceramic matrix, as well as the influence of graphene size on the properties of the composite. Furthermore, there is a need for future research to explore the possibility of using graphene-reinforced ceramic composites in several multifunctional applications, including microwave absorption, electromagnetic interference shielding, ballistic armors, self-monitoring damage sensors, and energy storage and conversion. Future research should focus on developing innovative processing procedures that guarantee the uniform distribution and precise alignment of graphene sheets within the ceramic matrix. The incorporation of graphene into ceramic matrix composites presents novel prospects for augmenting the characteristics and capabilities of ceramics, rendering it a very interesting area for further investigation.

Recyclable Polymer Composites with a Wrinkled Core-Shell Structure for Highly Efficient EMI Shielding and Low Reflection.

Green electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials not only require high shielding effectiveness (SE) and low reflection but also need to be recyclable after damage; however, it is challenging to strike a balance in practice. Here, a polyacrylamide (PAM) composite composed of numerous chemically cross-linked PAM@carbon nanotube (cPAM@CNT) core-shell particles featuring rich wrinkled microstructures was prepared using an adsorption-drying-shrinking strategy. The wrinkled microstructures enable the incident electromagnetic waves (EMWs) to undergo attenuation within the composites, achieving an average EMI SE of 67.5 dB in the X band. Due to the hygroscopicity of hydrophobically associated PAM (hPAM, an adhesive for cPAM@CNTs core-shell particles), the average EMI SE of the composites further increased to 83.2 dB after exposure to 91% relative humidity for 24 h, with only a 2.7 dB low reflection. Additionally, the composites also demonstrated excellent Joule heating, photothermal performance, and recyclability, which exhibit substantial promise for advanced EMI shielding applications.

Lightweight polyimide/silica aerogel composite foams and their derived carbon foams for excellent flame retardancy, thermal insulation and EMI shielding performance

Multifunctional porous materials demonstrate ubiquitous applications in the fields of flame retardancy, thermal insulation and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. In this work, a series of lightweight polyimide/silica aerogel (PIF/SiA) foams with exceptional thermal stability, flame retardancy and thermal insulation performance were prepared by employing microwave-assisted foaming and thermal imidization treatment, using polyester ammonium salt/silica aerogel (PEAS/SiA) powders as the derivative precursors. The limiting oxygen index and fire growth rate reached as high as 58.2% and as low as 0.1 kW/(m2·s) for PIF/SiA composite foams, respectively, which was a result of the formation of micro/nano multi-scale pore structure of PIF skeleton and the “pearl-necklace-like” skeletal network of nano SiA. In addition, the PIF/SiA composite foams exhibited excellent thermal insulation and infrared stealth performance, which demonstrate a potential for long service life in fire protection use. Furthermore, the carbonized PIF/SiA (i.e., PICF/SiA) foams possessed enhanced mechanical (improvement of 117.6%) and EMI shielding performance (specific EMI shielding effectiveness: 8541.9 dB/(g/cm2)) when compared with the original PIF/SiA composite foams. To sum up, a facile method was proposed to fabricate multifunctional PIF-based composite foams and their derived carbon foams for flame retardancy, thermal insulation and EMI shielding applications in high-end engineering sectors.

Electromagnetic interference shielding composite aerogels with asymmetric structures developed in aid of neural network

Along with the increasingly serious electromagnetic interference (EMI) pollution, it is in urgent need of exploiting high-performance EMI shielding materials. However, the conventional experimental methods always require a series of tedious preparation and characterization processes, resulting in the long period and high cost. Herein, a fully connected neural network (FCNN) was applied to aid in exploiting silver nanowires/waterborne polyurethan/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (AgNWs/WPU/MWCNTs) EMI shielding aerogels with asymmetric structures to optimize new material evolution and reduce experiment burden. Firstly, the special AgNWs/WPU/MWCNTs aerogels were fabricated with various MWCNTs content (0 wt.%, 2 wt.%, and 4 wt.%) and AgNWs mass (10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, and 40 mg) via a combination of directional freezing and spraying procedures, leading to 12 distinct samples. AgNWs/WPU/MWCNTs aerogels hold excellent EMI shielding properties and absorption-dominant shielding mechanism. The experimental EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) data at different frequency were leveraged to establish, train, and test the FCNN model based on Adam optimizer (Adam-FCNN). It is worth noting that Adam-FCNN model predictions are in good accordance with the EMI SE of the physically measured samples, with the lowest root mean square error RMSE of 0.7899, the highest correlation coefficient (R) of 0.9895, and excellent computational efficiency and reliability. Moreover, Adam-FCNN can accurately prognosticate EMI SE of unobtained AgNWs/WPU/MWCNTs aerogels in mechanics-intuitions to reduce repeated preparation and characterizing conditions. Thereby, Adam-FCNN soft model approach opens significant potential for alleviating the experimental burden, accelerating the discovery of innovative materials, and exploring the complex mechanism.

Reconfigurable intelligent surface and switchable electromagnetic interference shield based on dynamically adjustable composite film of cellulose nanofibers and VO2 nanoparticles

The emerging fields of 5G and 6G telecommunication networks, Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence have intensified the demand for green nanostructured materials with adjustable and intelligent features that respond to external stimuli. By leveraging the insulator-to-metal transition of VO2 nanoparticles, responsive composite films were developed by integrating these nanoparticles within a biopolymeric network of cationic cellulose nanofibers (CNF + ). These films exhibit a reversible change in GHz permittivity upon exposure to thermal or optical stimuli, facilitating dynamic control of their electrical properties. The layered structure of the films further enhances their robustness, featuring a VO2 nanoparticle core encased within CNF + layers. This design not only strengthens the structure but also significantly boosts light-induced conductivity, particularly in layered variant, underscoring its potential in optoelectronic applications. Simulation studies reveal that the nonuniform, reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) of the developed mixed film adeptly manipulates incident electromagnetic waves, making it suitable for 5G/6G wireless signals. Conversely, the layered film serves as a switchable electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield, demonstrating notable differences in shielding efficiency between its hot and cold states. Consequently, CNF+/VO2 composite films designed in this work emerge as a versatile, adaptable platform for intelligent electronics, particularly in the realm of 5G/6G wireless communications

Electromagnetic interference shielding and DFT study of barium hexaferrites nanoparticles coated polyaniline with heterointerface polarization behavior

Barium-hexaferrite-nanoparticles (BHNs) and polyaniline-nanoparticles (PNs) were prepared individually with average particle sizes of 50 nm and 42 nm. The two nanoparticles were then combined to create hybrid nanoparticles (HNs) with a ferritic core and a conductive surface, by chemically coating polyaniline onto the surface of BHNs via in-situ polymerization. The nanoparticle shape, size, structural, and morphological properties were analyzed using SEM, XRD, and PSA. The nanoparticles were dispersed into a PVDF matrix to produce nanocomposite-films (NFs) for testing EMI shielding effectiveness. The NFs exhibited excellent blocking of near infrared radiation and a shielding effectiveness of more than 50 dB in the microwave region when 30 wt% of HNs was used in the PVDF matrix. Density-function-theory (DFT) based on first-principle was used to confirm the interfacial polarization contribution at the heterointerface, revealing different electron occupied states and considerable charge transfer and accumulation at the interface, enhancing the EMI shielding effectiveness.

Reversible Switching Between Microwave Absorption and EMI Shielding of VO2 Composite Foam.

Developing lightweight composite with reversible switching between microwave (MW) absorption and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding is promising yet remains highly challenging due to the completely inconsistent attenuation mechanism for electromagnetic (EM) radiation. Here, a lightweight vanadium dioxide/expanded polymer microsphere composites foam (VO2/EPM) is designed and fabricated with porous structures and 3D VO2 interconnection, which possesses reversible switching function between MW absorption and EMI shielding under thermal stimulation. The VO2/EPM exhibits MW absorption with a broad effective absorption bandwidth of 3.25GHz at room temperature (25 °C), while provides EMI shielding of 23.1dB at moderately high temperature (100 °C). This reversible switching performance relies on the porous structure and tunability of electrical conductivity, complex permittivity, and impedance matching, which are substantially induced by the convertible crystal structure and electronic structure of VO2. Finite element simulation is employed to qualitatively investigate the change in interaction between EM waves and VO2/EPM before and after the phase transition. Moreover, the application of VO2/EPM is demonstrated with a reversible switching function in controlling wireless transmission on/off, showcasing its excellent cycling stability. This kind of smart material with a reversible switching function shows great potential in next-generation electronic devices.

Capillarity-assisted assembly of composite fibers to enable highly conductive fabrics for electromagnetic interference shielding

Poor adhesion between silver nanomaterials and substrates seriously restricts the development of electronic composite devices. In this work, flexible and conductive silver nanowires/fibroin/ degummed silk (AgNWs/fibroin/dSF) composite fibers with high adhesion and conductivity via capillarity-assisted assembly for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding are designed and fabricated by a facile and scalable all-solution dip-coating method. The nanocomposite fiber possesses high conductivity with a resistance of 8.8 Ω/cm at a low AgNWs/fibroin loading of 19.3 wt%. The assistance of the capillary force in the fiber highly increases the mass of deposited AgNWs. Furthermore, the AgNWs show high adhesion on the fibers in the tape-peel test. The enhanced deposition factors and mechanisms are detailly investigated. Moreover, the composite fibers are further woven into a soft and flexible fabric. The composite fabric shows an absorption-dominated EMI shielding performance with an efficient shielding effectiveness of 38 dB. The capillarity-assisted assembly is an attractive procedure for constructing high-conductive and uniform coatings for a wide application.

First study of quantitative relationship between electric polarization and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness of CFRP

This study investigates the electric polarization, including direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC), and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding capabilities within the microwave range (2.5–3.9 GHz) of cross-ply continuous carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites, constructed by stacking prepreg composites. The DC conductivity of CFRP was evaluated using a multimeter, while the AC relative permittivity was measured with electronic test equipment (LCR meter). To describe the relationship between shielding effectiveness and polarization behavior, the EMI shielding of CFRP was assessed using the waveguide method, presenting a quantitative description of this relationship for the first time. Results indicate a decrease in DC conductivity with increasing specimen thickness due to increasing defects. Conversely, AC permittivity increases with specimen thickness, attributed to a rise in charged carriers and associated carrier-atom interactions. Skin depth δ, at a given thickness, follows a trend of initial decrease and subsequent increase with rising frequency; at a given frequency, it increases with decreasing specimen thickness. The interaction between CFRP and radiation is primarily reflective, with the reflection coefficient being much higher than the absorption coefficient across the frequency range, escalating with specimen thickness. Shielding effectiveness (SET) and absorption loss (SEA) display an initial increase followed by a decrease with rising frequency, whereas reflection loss (SER) sees a slight increase. For the smallest thickness, SEA per unit thickness exceeds 3120 dB/m and 7960 dB/m using specimen and carbon thickness, respectively. The absorption loss predominantly arises from the interaction of the electric field with electric dipoles formed by carrier-atom interaction at defects.

Janus structure design of polyimide composite foam for absorption-dominated EMI shielding and thermal insulation

In the present work, by virtue of the synergistic and independent effects of Janus structure, an asymmetric nickel-chain/multiwall carbon nanotube/polyimide (Ni/MWCNTs/PI) composite foam with absorption-dominated electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and thermal insulation performances was successfully fabricated through an ordered casting and directional freeze-drying strategy. Water-soluble polyamic acid (PAA) was chosen to match the oriented freeze-drying method to acquire oriented pores, and the thermal imidization process from PAA to PI exactly eliminated the interface of the multilayered structure. By controlling the electro-magnetic gradient and propagation path of the incident microwaves in the MWCNT/PI and Ni/PI layers, the PI composite foam exhibited an efficient EMI SE of 55.8 dB in the X-band with extremely low reflection characteristics (R=0.22). The asymmetric conductive network also greatly preserved the thermal insulation properties of PI. The thermal conductivity (TC) of the Ni/MWCNT/PI composite foam was as low as 0.032 W/(m K). In addition, owing to the elimination of MWCNT/PI and Ni/PI interfaces during the thermal imidization process, the composite foam showed satisfactory compressive strength. The fabricated PI composite foam could provide reliable electromagnetic protection in complex applications and withstand high temperatures, which has great potential in cutting-edge applications such as advanced aircraft.

Aramid Nanofiber‐Based Artificial Nacre‐Supported Graphene/Silver Nanowire Nanopapers for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding and Thermal Management

AbstractThe development of next‐generation flexible electronics hinges on the creation of materials that are not only mechanically robust but also multifunctional. Herein, a novel approach is presented to fabricate an aramid nanofibers/cellulose nanocrystals/montmorillonite nanoplates (ACM) composite substrate with a robust “brick and mortar” microstructure. This substrate is seamlessly integrated with a high‐performance graphene/silver nanowire (G/Ag) composite conductive layer, resulting in the creation of ACM&G/Ag nanopapers. The resulting nanopapers achieve remarkable tensile strength (δc) (543.82 MPa), tensile modulus (Ec) (10.93 GPa), and toughness (Uc) (95.18 MJ m−3). Notably, when normalized by weight, the specific tensile strength of these nanopapers surpasses that of commercial titanium alloy, reaching 399.87 MPa g−1 cm3, compared to titanium alloy's 257.00 MPa g−1 cm3. With a high conductivity of 1398.08 S cm−1, ACM&G/Ag nanopapers exhibit impressive electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) of 39.59 dB and EMI SE/t of 16359.26 dB cm−1. Moreover, ACM&G/Ag nanopapers exhibit exceptional thermal management performance, featuring high electrical heating temperature (280 °C), rapid response time (<6 s), enduring heating stability, deicing capacity, and reliable heating performance even in humid environments. These results underscore the substantial potential of these high‐performance nanopapers in diverse applications such as wearable devices, electromagnetic compatibility, thermal management, human health, and aerospace.

Large-area (50 cm × 50 cm) optically transparent electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding of ZTO/Ag/ZTO: an analytical/numerical and experimental study of optoelectrical and EMI shielding properties

Abstract Transparent conducting oxides (TCOs), exhibiting both high optical transparency and low electrical resistivity, are commonly employed in optoelectronic devices. However, acquiring a balance between these optical and electrical properties in a uniform way over large areas has been a pending challenge, which is essential to achieving optically transparent electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding surfaces. In this study, we propose and demonstrate a stratified thin film structure consisting of zinc-doped tin oxide (Zn2SnO4, ZTO) as TCO along with a metal layer of silver (Ag) deposited on a large area of 50 cm × 50 cm polycarbonate (PC) substrate enabled by a scanning magnetron sputtering gun. We achieved high EMI shielding of 99.9% at the optical transparency of 68% in the visible spectrum by engineering the stratified architecture of ZTO/Ag/ZTO. The Ag layer of 18 nm in thickness with a sheet resistance of 10 Ω/sq yields shielding effectiveness (SE) of 27 dB in a wide frequency range of 2 – 20 GHz. The bottom and top ZTO layers, 20 and 40 nm thick, respectively, provide the lowest optical loss of 13% across 400 – 700 nm. The structure's EMI shielding, optical and structural performances were systematically characterized through a free-space focused-beam system, UV-Vis spectrophotometer, ellipsometry, focused ion-beam cross-sectional sampling and imaging, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and secondary ion mass spectroscopy. EMI shielding and optical performances were validated by CST Microwave Studio and the transfer matrix method, respectively. These findings indicate that the proposed multi-layer architecture holds great promise for large-area EMI shielding and other optoelectronic applications.