Robustly Superhydrophobic Conductive Textile for Efficient Electromagnetic Interference Shielding

Superhydrophobic electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding textile (EMIST) is of great significance to the safety and long-term service of all-weather outdoor equipment. However, it is still challenging to achieve long-term durability and stability under external mechanical deformations or other harsh service conditions. Herein, by designing and implementing silver nanowire (AgNW) networks and a superhydrophobic coating onto a commercial textile, we demonstrate a highly robust superhydrophobic EMIST. The resultant EMIST shows a synergy of high water contact angle (160.8 degrees), low sliding angle (2.9 degrees), and superior EMI shielding effectiveness (51.5 dB). Remarkably, the EMIST still maintains its superhydrophobic feature and high EMI shielding level (42.6 dB) even after 5000 stretching releasing cycles. Moreover, the EMIST exhibits strong resistance to ultrasonic treatment up to 60 min, peeling test up to 100 cycles, strong acidic/alkaline solutions, and different organic solvents, indicating its outstanding mechanical robustness and chemical durability. These attractive features of the EMIST are mainly a result of the joint action of AgNWs, carbon nanotubes, polytetrafluoroethylene nanoparticles, and fluoroacrylic polymer. This work offers a promising approach for the design of future durable, superhydrophobic EMISTs, which are capable of remaining fully functional against long-time exposure to extreme conditions, for example, wet and corrosive environments.