Scalable Fabrication of Nacre-Structured Graphene/Polytetrafluoroethylene Films for Outstanding EMI Shielding Under Extreme Environment

In this work, inspired by the great advantage of the unique brick-mortar layered structure as electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials, a multifunctional flexible graphene nanosheets (GNS)/polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composite film with excellent EMI shielding effects, impressive Joule heating performance, and light-to-heat conversion efficiency is fabricated based on the self-emulsifying process of PTFE. Both PTFE microspheres and nanofibers are employed together for the first time as sand and cement to build unique nacre-structured EMI shielding materials. Such configuration can obviously enhance the adhesion of composites and improve their mechanical property for the application under extreme environment. Moreover, the simple and effective repetitive roll pressing method can be used for the scalable production in industrialization. The GNS/PTFE composite film shows a high EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) of 50.85 dB. Furthermore, it has a high thermal conductivity of 16.54 W (m K)(-1), good flexibility, and recyclable properties. The excellent fire-resistant and hydrophobic properties of GNS/PTFE film also ensure its reliability and safety in practical application. In conclusion, the GNS/PTFE film demonstrates the potential for industrial manufacturing, and outstanding EMI shielding performance with high stability and durability, which has a broad application prospect for electronic devices in practical extreme outdoor environments.

Automated summary

In this study, a multifunctional flexible graphene nanosheets (GNS)/polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composite film with excellent electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effects is fabricated. Both PTFE microspheres and nanofibers are used to build unique nacre-structured EMI shielding materials, enhancing the adhesion of composites and improving their mechanical property. The GNS/PTFE composite film shows high EMI shielding effectiveness, high thermal conductivity, good flexibility, and recyclable properties. It also possesses fire-resistant and hydrophobic properties, ensuring its reliability and safety in practical applications. The film demonstrates the potential for industrial manufacturing and has a broad application prospect for electronic devices in extreme outdoor environments.