Issue 4, 2024

Controllable proton-reservoir ordered gel towards reversible switching and reliable electromagnetic interference shielding

Abstract

Smart and dynamic electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials possess a remarkable capacity to modify their EMI shielding abilities, rendering them invaluable in various civil and military applications. However, the present response mechanism of switch-type EMI shielding materials is slightly restricted, as it primarily depends on continuous pressure induction, thereby resulting in concerns regarding their durability and reliability. Herein, for the first time, we demonstrate a novel method for achieving solvent-responsive, reversible switching, and robust EMI shielding capabilities using a controlled proton-reservoir ordered gel. The gel contains polyaniline (PANI) and sodium alginate (SA). Initially, SA acts as a proton reservoir for PANI in an aqueous system, enhancing the doping level of PANI and improving its electrical conductivity. Additionally, PANI and SA chains respond to diverse polar solvents, such as water, acetonitrile, ethanol, n-hexane, and air, inducing distinct conformations that affect the degree of PANI conjugation and electron migration along the chains. This process is reversible and non-destructive to the polymer chain, ensuring the effective and uncompromised performance of the EMI shielding switch. We can achieve precise and reversible tuning (on/off) of EMI shielding with different effectiveness levels by manipulating the solvents within the framework. This work opens a new solvent-stimuli avenue for the development of EMI shielding materials with reliable and intelligent on/off switching capabilities.

Graphical abstract: Controllable proton-reservoir ordered gel towards reversible switching and reliable electromagnetic interference shielding

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Communication
Submitted
28 okt 2023
Accepted
12 dec 2023
First published
12 dec 2023

Mater. Horiz., 2024,11, 978-987

Controllable proton-reservoir ordered gel towards reversible switching and reliable electromagnetic interference shielding

Y. Wang, M. Cao, B. Liu, F. Zeng, Q. Fu, H. Zhao and Y. Wang, Mater. Horiz., 2024, 11, 978 DOI: 10.1039/D3MH01795H

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements