Mechanically and environmentally robust composite nanofibers with embedded MXene for wearable shielding of electromagnetic wave

Flexible materials based on two-dimensional titanium carbides (MXene) exhibit great potential for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding applications. However, MXene base EMI shielding materials usually cannot possess combined favorable properties of high strength, environmental stability and air permeability, which can inhibit practical implementations as wearable components. Herein, newly designed EMI shielding Poly (vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) composite fabric with MXene embedded in nanofibers have been prepared by one-step electrospinning technique. The highly hydrophobic composite fabric shows excellent specific EMI shielding effectiveness of 160 dB/mm, which remains unchanged when exposed in acidic, alkali or saline solutions for 10 days due to the polymer matrix protection. Moreover, the embedded MXene can greatly enhance the strength and modulus of the fabric. The ultimate strength of the highly flexible composite can reach as high as20 MPa, which is 33% higher compared with untreated PVDF-HFP fabric. Our study could allow us to implement MXene based EMI shielding materials for more practical applications.

Automated summary

The newly designed EMI shielding PVDF-HFP composite fabric with MXene embedded in nanofibers shows excellent specific EMI shielding effectiveness, remains unchanged after exposure to acidic, alkaline, or saline solutions for 10 days, and can greatly enhance the strength and modulus of the fabric.