Ultralight and multifunctional CNT/CNF aerogels with excellent EMI shielding and photothermal conversion properties

Abstract

Modern communication infrastructure has led to significantly increased levels of electromagnetic interference (EMI), thereby raising the demand for advanced multifunctional EMI shielding composites. CNT/CNF aerogels with Ti₃C₂T_x MXenes are an example of such composites that have been studied in depth to meet this need, with the abundant functional groups of hydroxylated nanocellulose able to achieve sufficient electromagnetic wave attenuation. This work reports that samples of NC/35C/25M₆ achieved an EMI SE of 30.3 dB and an SSE/t of 2346 dB cm² g⁻¹ using 1.15 g of conductive fillers with a density of only 0.06 g cm⁻³. Furthermore, the photothermal conversion properties of Ti₃C₂T_x aerogels enable efficient energy utilization, demonstrating their multiple functionalities. Therefore, these ultralight, low-cost and multifunctional aerogels meet the requirements of EMI shielding and photothermal conversion, providing a valuable method for the fabrication of EMI shielding composites.