Lightweight MXene-coated cotton textiles with electromagnetic interference shielding, electrothermal/photothermal conversion and self-cleaning properties

The multifunctional integration, lightweight comfort and long-lasting durability of electronic textiles are topical research issues that have attracted a great deal of attention. The novel two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides/nitrides (MXene) are recognized as ideal materials for the construction of multifunctional electronic textiles on account of their excellent electrical conductivity. In this study, a multifunctional textile was developed by spraying conductive MXene nanosheets onto cotton textile and subsequently encapsulating it with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The coated textile demonstrated outstanding electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, achieving an average shielding efficiency (SET) of 43.33 dB in the X-band for a single layer. Additionally, the coated textile presented excellent Joule heating performance and superior capabilities for photothermal conversion. The PDMS coating with low surface energy not only imparted superhydrophobicity to the coated textile but also enhanced its comfort and stability. Notably, the coated textile retained the inherent lightweight, flexibility and breathability of the original textile. This work thus presents a simple and effective strategy for the development of multifunctional wearable textiles.