Ultra‑broadband and ultra‑high electromagnetic interference shielding performance of aligned and compact MXene films

A groundbreaking study published in Nano-Micro Letters presents a highly aligned and compact MXene film with exceptional electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance across ultra-broadband frequencies. This innovative film, developed by Professor Xuchun Gui and his team from Sun Yat-Sen University, demonstrates superior EMI shielding effectiveness and infrared stealth capabilities, making it a promising candidate for advanced stealth and electromagnetic protection applications.

Why This MXene Film Matters

• Ultra-Broadband Shielding: The MXene film achieves an exceptional EMI shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) of 45 dB in the gigahertz band (8.2–40 GHz) and 59 dB in the terahertz band (0.2–1.6 THz), making it highly effective for shielding against a wide range of electromagnetic frequencies.
• High Specific Shielding Effectiveness: The film exhibits an unprecedented specific shielding effectiveness (SSE/t) of 1.545 × 10⁶ dB cm² g^-1, which is the highest value reported for shielding films, indicating its high efficiency and lightweight nature.
• Infrared Stealth Performance: The film has an ultra-low infrared emissivity of 0.1 in the wide-range infrared band (2.5–16.0 µm), making it highly suitable for infrared stealth applications in both daytime and nighttime environments.
• Efficient Electrothermal Performance: The film demonstrates efficient electrothermal performance, including a high saturated temperature (over 120 °C at 1.0 V), a high heating rate (4.4 °C s^-1 at 1.0 V), and stable and uniform heating distribution, making it suitable for de-icing applications.

Innovative Design and Mechanisms

• Continuous Centrifugal Spraying Strategy: The highly aligned and compact MXene films were fabricated using a continuous centrifugal spraying strategy. This method ensures high orientation and compactness of the MXene nanosheets, resulting in superior electrical conductivity and EMI shielding performance.
• High Conductivity and Compactness: The film's high conductivity (1.03 × 10⁶ S m^-1) and compact structure contribute to its exceptional EMI shielding capabilities. The alignment and compactness of the MXene nanosheets were optimized by adjusting the rotating rate of the spraying process.
• Infrared Stealth and Electrothermal Applications: The film's low infrared emissivity and efficient electrothermal performance make it suitable for applications requiring both infrared stealth and active heating, such as de-icing systems and thermal management.

Applications and Future Outlook

• Military and Civilian Applications: The MXene film's ultra-broadband EMI shielding and infrared stealth capabilities make it highly suitable for military applications, including aerospace equipment and stealth technologies. Its lightweight and high-performance nature also make it attractive for civilian applications requiring advanced electromagnetic protection.
• Thermal Management and De-icing: The film's efficient electrothermal performance can be utilized in de-icing systems and other thermal management applications, providing a versatile solution for various industries.
• Future Research: Further work may focus on scaling up the production process and exploring additional applications for the MXene film, such as in flexible electronics and wearable devices.

Conclusion

The highly aligned and compact MXene film developed by Professor Xuchun Gui and his team represents a significant advancement in electromagnetic interference shielding and infrared stealth technologies. Its exceptional performance across multiple spectra and potential applications in both military and civilian sectors highlight its importance for future stealth and protection technologies. As research continues to advance, the MXene film's potential for practical applications becomes increasingly clear.

Stay tuned for more groundbreaking advancements from Professor Xuchun Gui and his team as they continue to push the boundaries of materials science and engineering!