Specific Shielding Effectiveness Research Articles

Facile preparation of conductive silicone rubber composite foams with tunable cell morphologies and absorption-dominant characteristics

Flexible silicone rubber (SR) foams with tunable cellular morphologies were fabricated via supercritical CO2 foaming. Conductive carbon black (CB) modified at a low cost and with high complex viscosity was preferentially selected. The effects of the pore size and void fraction on the electrical conductivity and dielectric permittivity of the SR/CB composite foams were carefully investigated. The pore size of the foams affected the specific shielding effectiveness (SSE) and absorption coefficient (A), whereas the variation in the void fraction did not generate evident changes. In comparison with its solid counterpart, a foam with a pore diameter of 59.9 μm showed a 50% decrease in density, 31.6% increase in absorptivity, and 95.7% increase in SSE, demonstrating a considerable electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE). Decreases in the pore size and void fraction of the foams improved compression modulus and strength. In addition, sample preparation process was simplified, making industrial production easier.

Design of polyimide/carbon nanotube@Ag@polyimide/graphene composite aerogel for infrared stealth and electromagnetic interference protection

CHATGPT artificial intelligence is taking the world by storm, and countless electronic devices will generate massive amounts of electromagnetic interference (EMI). Hence, there is a pressing demand for materials exhibiting high thermal conductivity and superior EMI shielding effectiveness (SE). Thus, we construct a polyimide/carbon nanotube@Ag@polyimide/graphene (PCAPG) composite aerogel with porous, layered, and homogeneous structures in one, which provides a new idea for the multi-interface polarization interaction and special structure of anti-EMI materials. PCAPG has high thermal conductivity of ∼ 0.259 W (mK)-1 at 25 °C, excellent EMI SE of ∼ 90.28 dB and specific shielding effectiveness (SSE) of ∼ 940.42 dB cm3 g−1. The synergistic EMI attenuation mechanism of the PCAPG composite structure is analyzed using an aerogel unit. This composite aerogel provides a viable solution for infrared stealth, promoting heat dissipation from electronic components and reducing electromagnetic interference.

High-Performance Multifunctional Carbon Fibrous Sponges Derived from Pitch.

3D carbon-based porous sponges are recognized for significant potential in oil absorption and electromagnetic interference (EMI). However, their widespread application is hindered by a common compromise between high performance and affordability of mass production. Herein, a novel approach is introduced that involves laser-assisted micro-zone heating melt-blown spinning (LMHMS) to address this challenge by creating pitch-based submicron carbon fibers (PSCFs) sponge with 3D interconnected structures. These structures bestow the resulting sponge exceptional characteristics including low density (≈20mgcm-3), high porosity (≈99%), remarkable compressibility (80% maximum strain), and superior conductivity (≈628 Sm-1). The resultant PSCF sponges realize an oil/organic solvent sorption capacity over 56g/g and possess remarkable regenerated ability. In addition to their effectiveness in cleaning up oil/organic solvent spills, they also demonstrated strong electromagnetic shielding capabilities, with a total shielding effectiveness (SE) exceeding 60dB across the X-band GHz range. In virtue of extreme lightweight of ≈20mgcm-3, the specific SE of the PSCF sponge reaches as high as ≈1466dB cm3g-1, surpassing the performance of numerous carbon-based porous structures. Thus, the unique blend of properties renders these sponges promising for transforming strategies in addressing oil/organic solvent contaminations and providing effective protection against EMI.

Lightweight carbon foam composites embedded with RGO/SrFe12O19 hybrid: Fabrication, structural and electromagnetic shielding performance in 8.2 to 12.4 GHz

Today's growth of wireless technology has increased the demand for composite materials with absorption-based shielding capabilities and the composites of dielectric and magnetic materials are suitable for producing high shielding effectiveness (SE). The present study establishes a facile way to synthesize carbon foam embedded with strontium ferrite (SrFe12O19) nanoparticles decorated within/ on reduced graphene oxide (RGO) sheets. In this work, polyurathene templete slab is dipped in the homogenous slurry prepared from RGO/SrFe12O19 (RS) hybrid and phenolic resin followed by carbonization to produce the CF/RGO/SrFe12O19 (CRS) composite foam. The synthesized CRS3 nanocomposite foam exhibits maximum shielding effectiveness due to an absorption (SEA) value of 26.6 dB i.e., ∼99.7% attenuation, and absolute specific shielding effectiveness (SSEt) value of 250.70 dBcm2g–1. The high SEA value of synthesized composite carbon foam is obtained because of the synergistic effect of porous morphology, dielectric losses and magnetic losses.

Solvent-doped PEDOT:PSS: Structural transformations towards enhanced electrical conductivity and transferable electromagnetic shields

The enhanced electrical conductivity of solvent-doped poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) is attributed to the screening effect between PSS and PEDOT chains. Yet, the precise manner in which this effect influences the crystalline structure and conformation of PEDOT:PSS remains unclear. In this study, we utilize Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Grazing-incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering (GIWAXS) to examine the conformational changes and two-dimensional (2D) crystalline structure of PEDOT:PSS when doped with a variety of solvents, including dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), ethylene glycol (EG), dimethylformamide (DMF), methanol (MeOH), ethanol (EtOH), tetrahydrofuran (THF), and acetone. Our observations unveil that solvent doping improves the electrical conductivity of PEDOT:PSS by modifying its crystalline structure. This alteration leads to reduced inter-lamellar (d200) and π-π stacking (d010) distances, facilitating the formation of densely packed and well-ordered PEDOT crystallites in both face-on and edge-on orientations. Moreover, this doping process enhances the transferability and mechanical properties of drop-casted films, resulting in a flexible and transferable electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield with exceptional total shielding effectiveness (SET) of 35.70 dB and specific shielding effectiveness (SSE/t) of 7105.34 dB cm2.g−1.

In situ reduction of copper nanoparticles in porous carbonized wood for efficiently enhancing electromagnetic interference shielding performance

In this study, porous carbonized wood was used as the substrate, and a multi-layer composite of copper/carbonized wood/copper (Cu/CW/Cu) layer with light weight, flame retardancy, and efficient electromagnetic shielding effectiveness was prepared by electroless copper method. The results showed that the copper particles can be filled in the layered porous structure of the carbonized wood. The metal Cu layer was evenly covered on the surface of the whole carbonized wood, and the average surface roughness was 7.62 µm. The absorption peak at 2340 cm−1 was significantly enhanced, which proved that the increase of the number of electroless Cu on the carbonized wood surface promoted the improvement of Cu autocatalytic ability. After three depositions of Cu, the conductivity of the composite material reached 1154 S/cm, showing good electrical properties. The shielding effectiveness in the X-band from 8.2 to 12.4 GHz was up to 55.97 dB at low density (0.27 g/cm3). Specific shielding effectiveness SSE/t was as high as 581.69 dB cm2 g−1. Through the “absorption–reflection–absorption” path, high absorption and low reflection are achieved, shielding a large number of incident electromagnetic waves.

PMDI cross-linked rare earth/liquid metal reinforced ANF/MXene membranes for multifunctional electromagnetic interference shielding

With the miniaturization of electronic devices, the creation of efficient and lightweight electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials is of imminent significance. In this context, we reported an electromagnetic shielding membrane with hydrophobic, antioxidative, and high temperature stability. The chemically cross-linked Aramid nanofibers (ANF)/MXene@Ga/Gd2O3 (CAMG) nanocomposite membranes exhibit a considerable tensile strength and possess exceptional flexibility. The CAMG shielding membranes demonstrate multiple heterogeneous interfaces and a magnetic-dielectric synergistic system, thereby effectively enhancing the absorption shielding efficiency, with the specific shielding effectiveness per unit volume (SSE/t) reaching 6788 dB cm2 g−1. Furthermore, the composite membranes demonstrate remarkable electrothermal capabilities, acting as pliable heaters with notable, swiftly replicable, and consistent electrothermal effects at reduced voltages. Additionally, they possess superior heat dissipation efficiency and ensure a uniform heat dispersion. The exceptional electromagnetic shielding performance and multifunctionality of the C-ANF/MXene@Ga/Gd2O3 shielding membranes imply their instructive relevance in next-generation fields such as flexible electronics and aerospace.

Two birds with one stone: High electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness and high thermal conductivity of ternary polyvinyl alcohol/graphene/ carbonyl iron nanocomposite films

Gaining brilliant flexible, easily-processable, bendable, low-density and high electrical conductivity (σ) materials with an excellent electromagnetic-interference (EMI) shielding performance is urgently needed in the fields of aerospace, aircraft, military, wearable and portable electronic industries. Therefore, the growing desire towards miniaturizing and developing high-frequency electronics is increasing incredibly today and grabbing much attention, however, they cause extreme heat accumulation and EM radiations that affect their performances as well as their hazardous effects on human health. So, polymer nanocomposites with high thermal conductivity (k) and EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) synchronously are urgently required to consume the generated heat and blocks the EM waves. Herein, poly(vinyl alcohol)/graphene nanosheets/carbonyl iron (PVA/GRx/CIR0.1-x) nanocomposite films are introduced as a new alternative candidate for EMI shielding applications with high in-plane k//, high mechanical functions, and EMI SET performance. The synergistic effect of GR and CIR on EMI shielding functions, thermal stability, mechanical properties, electrical features, and surface morphology has been explored. The increase in GR(x) amounts provides continuous GR layers and dense networks for conducting electrons and heats, provides the films with an admirable k// and total SE (SET) synchronously. Particularly, the PVA/GR0.08/CIR0.02 films have shown an σ of 1.72 Sm−1, a large SET of 32.94 dB and a specific SE (SSE/t) of 4365 dBcm2g−1 due to the mutual role (effect) of both high electrical conductive graphene and high magnetic carbonyl iron in cancelling the magnetic and electric fields of the incident EM waves. Moreover, the layered structure of GR endows films with a high k// of 3.62±0.11 W/(m·K), which is 14-fold larger than that of green PVA. The high compatibility and fine dispersion of GR/CIR fillers endow the films with a high Young modulus of 2.16 GPa, which is 7-fold larger than that of green PVA. This work suggests a novel and feasible scheme for producing high EMI shielding and high thermal conductive polymeric films, which will have huge prospects in advanced technology such as electromagnetic (microwave) interference shielding, wearable, biological, smart fabrics, military technologies and electronic equipments.

Guar gum assisted synthesis of high‐quality silver nanoplates and their polyimide matrix nanocomposites for electromagnetic interference shielding applications

AbstractTwo‐dimensional (2D) silver nanoplates are chemically synthesized in the presence of guar gum – a naturally occurring biopolymer. The polymer directs anisotropic growth of silver nuclei into high aspect ratio nanoplates spanning 4500 ± 500 nm lateral length with thickness as small as 40 ± 10 nm. After a thorough investigation of the reaction parameters (temperature, precursor to reductant ratio, and polymer quantity) on the morphology of the product, a scalable synthetic protocol to achieve good yields (95%–98%) of highly pure (~100%) 2D silver nanoplates (AgNPls) in a facile, inexpensive, room temperature, aqueous phase chemical reaction of only about 5 min is devised. The optimized AgNPls induce appreciable conductivity of 5.5 ± 0.38 S/cm in polyimide at only 12 wt% loading. Consequently, the resulting polymer nanocomposite (containing 12 wt% AgNPls), at only 130 ± 15 μm thickness and 0.45 g/cm3 density, effectively blocks electromagnetic radiation in X‐band with a total shield effectiveness of about 10 dB resulting in substantially high specific shielding effectiveness and absolute shielding effectiveness of 22.48 and 1729.23 dB cm3 g−1, respectively. Additionally, the nanocomposites remain thermally stable up to 500°C in oxidative environment and possess an appreciably high storage modulus of 3.113 GPa at 50°C. These low‐density conductive polyimide films, therefore, present great prospects in shielding against electromagnetic interference under extreme conditions.

Hybrid functional membranes through layer-by-layer assembly of Ti3C2Tx MXene and gelatin-stabilized calcium phosphate nanospheres

MXene-based membranes exhibit promising properties for various applications; however, pure MXene membranes lack sufficient environmental stability and mechanical strength. This work demonstrates that incorporating gelatin-stabilized amorphous calcium phosphate (Gel-ACP) nanospheres into MXene membranes via layer-by-layer assembly significantly enhances flexibility and mechanical strength while retaining electrical conductivity. A pressure-assisted stacking technique was introduced to efficiently fabricate membranes with tunable thickness not achievable through single filtration steps. The Gel-ACP nanospheres, synthesized by co-precipitation of calcium phosphate within gelatin solution, provided a ductile and cytocompatible reinforcement that augmented the properties of the MXene matrix. Direct mixing of the components led to particle aggregation and non-uniform dispersion. In contrast, controlled layer-by-layer nanostructuring maintained membrane conductivity around 102 Scm−1 while dramatically improving mechanical integrity. The optimized hybrid membranes exhibited specific electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of ∼21,000 dBcm2g−1 and withstood over 90 kPa vacuum pressure without rupture, six times higher than pure MXene membranes. Cytocompatibility was confirmed by the proliferation of human mesenchymal stem cells on the membranes. Moreover, the layered membrane exhibited excellent adhesion to bone-mimicking structures, indicating potential utility for bone tissue engineering. Overall, this work provides new design principles for engineering hybrid membranes through controlled multicomponent assembly to overcome intrinsic limitations and impart multifunctionality.

3D Graphene Straintronics for Broadband Terahertz Modulation

AbstractThe increasing utilization of terahertz (THz) bandwidth in both industrial and private sectors highlights the significance of efficient terahertz shielding and absorption devices. These devices play a crucial role in safeguarding electronic components from disruptive effects and rendering objects less detectable by radar systems. However, the limited availability of materials and devices hinders progress in this field. In this study, a strain engineering route is presented for the active control of terahertz shielding and absorption properties in 3D graphene through the application of mechanical strain. A straintronic modulator based on 3D graphene is demonstrated, capable of modulating absorption and reflection of THz radiation in real‐time over a wide range of 0.1–3 THz. The modulator can be tuned to exhibit either shielding capability with a specific shielding effectiveness of 0.3 × 105 dB cm2 g−1 or stealth characteristics with an average reflection loss of 25 dB and 99.4% absorption. These findings open new avenues for leveraging 2D materials in their 3D porous form, where strain‐induced changes in interlayer interactions enable control over the properties of these materials. This discovery unveils vast unexplored physical phenomena with immense potential for advanced THz imaging, radar, and electromagnetic applications.

An energy-saving structural optimization strategy for high-performance multifunctional graphene films

Graphene has been widely studied for its excellent properties of outstanding conductivity, strength, and flexibility. However, interlayer defects formed during the macroscopic assembly of graphene nanosheets will severely degrade the performance of graphene films. Herein, a strategy combined with trace carboxyl graphene oxide (GO), mild reduction, and chemical crosslinking is employed to minimize the interlayer defects for enhancing both the conductivity and mechanical strength of graphene films. The trace carboxyl feature of GO allows nanosheets to assemble orderly into highly oriented GO films. Subsequently, the mild chemical reduction preserves the highly oriented and packed microstructure. Coupling with further crosslinking by introducing conjugated molecules with pyrene terminal groups (1-pyrene butyric acid-1,6-hexane diamine, PHD) to provide extra π-π bonds, both the mechanical strength and conductivity of graphene films are improved to 548.4 MPa and 1.7 × 105 S m−1, respectively. In addition, the graphene film with only ∼2 μm in thickness possesses an excellent electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) of ∼40 dB and a specific shielding effectiveness of up to 74 278 dB cm2 g−1 in a wide frequency range of 8.2–40.0 GHz. Thus, this study provides an energy-saving fabrication route for mechanically strong, effective thermal management and EMI shielding films.

Conducting polymer hollow nanostructures by surfactant-free Ouzo emulsion for an exceptional EMI shielding performance

Hollow or partially collapsed bowls of conducting polymers, such as poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), polypyrrole (Ppy), polyaniline (PANI), and polythiophene (PT), have successfully been synthesized by surfactant-free Ouzo emulsion. The stable Ouzo region has been identified based on three-component phase diagram of FeCl3·6H2O as an oxidant, acetone as solvent, and toluene as anti-solvent, respectively. The solvent/oxidant mixture forms emulsion droplets in anti-solvent medium spontaneously without any surfactant. It is the very first report on the generation of Ouzo state in the chemical oxidative polymerization systems of conducting polymers. Cast thin film of the synthesized conducting polymer hollow nanostructures was infiltrated with commercial PEDOT:PSS solution for the formation of composite structures, where the highly conductive networks of PEDOT:PSS ensures electrical conductivity. In the meanwhile, the embedded hollow nanostructures enable multiple scattering of incident electromagnetic wave. A thin (∼6 μm) composite film shows exceptional electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness of ∼75 dB in X-band (8–12 GHz). Furthermore, thanks to low density of hollow conducting polymer nanostructures, thickness-normalized specific shielding effectiveness (SSE/t) shows the highest value compared to other materials published in literature. The hollow nanostructures of conducting polymers, formed using surfactant-free Ouzo emulsion, may find broader applications thanks to its simple and contaminant-free nature.

Lightweight HfC nanowire-carbon fiber/graphene aerogel composites for high-efficiency electromagnetic interference shielding

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) and pollution triggered by electromagnetic waves are becoming a severe issue with the rapid development of various e-devices. Developing low-density and high-efficiency electromagnetic shielding materials is of great importance. Carbon aerogel materials have received worldwide attention due to their significant electromagnetic interference shielding properties and physicochemical stability. Herein, lightweight hafnium carbide nanowire (HfCnw)-carbon fiber (CF)/graphene aerogel (GA) composites with excellent electromagnetic shielding performance were fabricated by successively introducing CF via hydrothermal process, pyrolytic carbon (PyC) coating via chemical vapor infiltration (CVI), and HfCnw via catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CCVD) into GA. It was found that the electrical conductivity of the HfCnw-CF/GA composites with the HfCnw growth time of 4 h reached 94.0 S/cm, which was far higher than 1.1 S/cm of pristine GA and 2.7 S/cm of the CF/GA composites. The EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) of the HfCnw-CF/GA composites was as high as 66.4 dB in the X-band, which was 3 times that (25.4 dB) for GA and 1.5 times that (45.8 dB) for the CF/GA composites. The EMI shielding performance of the HfCnw-CF/GA composites was improved mainly due to the enhanced multiple reflection loss, conductance loss, and interfacial polarization loss. Moreover, the HfCnw-CF/GA composites had a specific SE (SSE) value of 364.1 dB cm3/g, which exhibits good application prospects in the EMI field to meet the needs for light weight and high SE.

Porifera-Inspired Lightweight, Thin, Wrinkle-Resistance, and Multifunctional MXene Foam.

Transition metal carbides/nitrides (MXenes) demonstrate a massive potential in constructing lightweight, multifunctional wearable electromagnetic interference (EMI) shields for application in various fields. Nevertheless, it remains challenging to develop a facile, scalable approach to prepare the MXene-based macrostructures characterized by low density, low thickness, high mechanical flexibility, and high EMI SE at the same time. Herein, the ultrathin MXene/reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/Ag foams with a porifera-inspired hierarchically porous microstructure are prepared by combining Zn2+ diffusion induction and hard template methods. The hierarchical porosity, which includes a mesoporous skeleton and a microporous MXene network within the skeleton, not only exerts a regulatory effect on stress distribution during compression, making the foams rubber-like resistant to wrinkling but also provides more channels for multiple reflections of electromagnetic waves. Due to the interaction between Ag nanosheets, MXene/rGO, and porous structure, it is possible to produce an outstanding EMI shielding performance with the specific surface shielding effectiveness reaching 109152.4dBcm2 g-1 . Furthermore, the foams exhibit multifunctionalities, such as transverse Joule heating, longitudinal heat insulation, self-cleaning, fire resistance, and motion detection. These discoveries open up a novel pathway for the development of lightweight MXene-based materials with considerable application potential in wearable electromagnetic anti-interference devices.

Scalable synthesis of high-quality, reduced graphene oxide with a large C/O ratio and its dispersion in a chemically modified polyimide matrix for electromagnetic interference shielding applications.

High-purity reduced graphene oxide (RGO or rGO) with appreciable conductivity is a desired conductive filler for lightweight polymer composites used in coatings, electronics, catalysts, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, and energy storage devices. However, the intrinsic conductivity and the uniform dispersion of RGO in relatively polar matrices are challenging, leading to poor overall conductivity and performance of the composite material. The reported study improved the RGO intrinsic conductivity by increasing its C/O ratio while also simultaneously enhancing its compatibility with the polyimide (PI) matrix through ester linkages for better dispersion. A two-step reduction method drastically increased the number of structural defects and carbon content in the resulting RGO, corresponding to a maximum ID/IG and C/O of 1.54 and ∼87, respectively. Moreover, the 2D nanosheets with limited hydroxyl (-OH) groups effectively interacted with anhydride-terminated polyamic acid (AT-PAA) through chemical linkages to make high-performance RGO/PI nanocomposites. Consequently, the polymer matrix composites possessed the highest direct current conductivity of 15.27 ± 0.61 S cm-1 for 20 wt% of the prepared RGO. Additionally, the composite material was highly stiff (3.945 GPa) yet flexible (easily bent through 180°), lightweight (∼0.34 g cm-3), and capable of forming thin films (162 ± 15 μm). Unlike most polymer matrix composites, it showcased one of its class's highest thermal stabilities (a weight loss of only 5% at 638 °C). Ultimately, the composite performed as an effective electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding material in the X-Band (8 to 12 GHz), demonstrating outstanding shielding effectiveness (SE), shielding effectiveness per unit thickness (SEt), specific shielding effectiveness (SSE), and absolute shielding effectiveness (SSEt) of 46 dB, 2778 dB cm-2, 138 dB cm3 g-1, and 8358 dB cm2 g-1, respectively. As a consequence of this research, the high-purity RGO and its high-performance PI matrix nanocomposites are anticipated to find practical applications in conductive coatings and flexible substrates demanding high-temperature stability.

Carbon felt from acrylic dust bags as flexible EMI shielding layer and resistive heater

Carbon felt is widely used due to its lightweight and conductive nature. However, limited research has been conducted regarding the tension applied during its preparation. This study aims to explore the influence of different loading tensions during the carbonization process on the properties of acrylic-based carbon felts. Enhanced flexibility, lower shrinkage and improved mechanical and electrical properties were found for the samples obtained in the edge loading mode. Subsequently, the performance of carbon felts in electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and resistive heating was studied. The carbon felts achieved a notable EMI shielding effectiveness of 55 dB. The specific shielding effectiveness values are significantly higher than other reported materials due to their low density and high porosity. Moreover, the carbon felts displayed commendable electrical heating performance through high heating rates and superior heating efficiency. Lastly, the structural stability was assessed via self-designed bending experiments. Good stability of the resistance and heating behavior of the carbon felts across multiple bending cycles was observed. With low manufacturing costs, good stability and air permeability, the flexible carbon felt is expected to be widely used for barrier applications and wearable electronics.

‘Donor-Acceptor’, ‘interpenetrating polymer network’ and ‘electrostatic self-assembly’ work in tandem to achieve extraordinary specific shielding effectiveness

The exploration of 'electrostatic self-assembly' on solid surfaces has garnered significant interest across various fields. With the sophistication of gadgets, managing electromagnetic interference (EMI) from stray signals, especially in stealth...

Lightweight and high-strength polyarylene ether nitrile-based composites for efficient electromagnetic interference shielding

Abstract The proliferation of electronic devices and the widespread adoption of microwave-based technologies have resulted in a notable rise in electromagnetic radiation pollution. In present work, a novel flexible lightweight polyarylene ether nitrile (PEN)-based composite for efficient electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding was prepared by introducing dual-loss hybrid material (PKMWCNT@Fe3O4) into PEN via non-solvent induce phase separation method and assembling it layer-by-layer with carbon fiber (CF) fabric. The porous morphology of the PEN layer, the electrical conductivity of the CF fabric, and the dual-loss property of the filler enable the material to reflect and absorb electromagnetic waves multiple times, resulting in superior electromagnetic shielding performance. With the addition of PKMWCNT@Fe3O4 at a mass fraction of 50%, the EMI SE T and specific shielding effectiveness SSE/t can reach up to 47.08 dB and 617 dB cm2/g, respectively, indicating absorption dominated shielding mechanism. Furthermore, the material exhibits a lightweight nature with a density of 0.55 g/cm3, and excellent mechanical properties, including a tensile strength of 43.98 MPa and elongation at break of 43.32%. This work presents a new approach to prepare high-performance composites that are both lightweight and resistant to secondary contamination by electromagnetic waves.

Binder-free ultrathin pellets of nanocomposites based on Fe3O4@nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide aerogel for electromagnetic interference shielding

The synergistic effects of a hybrid nanocomposite (Fe3O4@NrGO) and their influence on electromagnetic pollution shielding (EMI SE) were explored. This is a current concern where the impacts need to be fully clarified and assertively addressed. Thus, the main focus of the paper was based on the physical and mechanical properties of porosity, surface area, flexibility and, mainly, electrical conductivity of the graphene aerogels, which do not require the use of a binder and are of great interest for the EMI SE area. The precursors (rGO, NrGO and Fe3O4), as well as the nanocomposite, underwent thorough structural characterisation to understand their nature. Characteristic bands of C-N/C=N bonds and a content of 8.03 at% N were identified, with a high N:O ratio of 1.31, indicating efficient doping of the conductive matrix. The aerogel NrGO phase, with a quality of just 5 layers, and the Fe3O4 phase, with domains around 5 nm, were confirmed, as well as the superposition of the signals in the Fe3O4@NrGO pattern. Electron microscopy images and elemental map also demonstrated the efficient distribution of Fe3O4 in the matrix and its porous appearance. Thus, leveraging the advantages of aerogel, extremely light ultra-thin pellets measuring 0.1 mm and weighing 10 mg were produced. The high nitrogen doping of the graphene network, the presence of magnetic nanoparticles, as well as the high surface area and porosity achieved in the production of the nanocomposite, were responsible for high specific shielding effectiveness of 2730 dB · cm−1 at 10.7 GHz and an average in the X-band of 1590 dB · cm−1. Thus, the improved and synergistic mechanisms highlighted the promising advantages of using these highly porous doped materials, demonstrating that the Fe3O4@NrGO hybrid presents high value for investigations in the application of EMI SE.