Hydrophobic MXene/Hydroxyethyl Cellulose/Silicone Resin Composites with Electromagnetic Interference Shielding

Exploring a method to fabricate robust and stable 3D conductive networks in polymers matrix is still the challenge in the research and development of electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials. Here, a feasible approach is provided to produce high-performance, silicone-doped MXene EMI shielding composites. The trace amount of hydroxyethyl cellulose is deliberately applied as gels to construct the MXene aerogels with a stable and highly conductive network by the freeze-drying method. For more desirable mechanical and waterproof properties, the silicone resin is introduced into the MXene aerogels on purpose. The best silicone-doped MXene EMI shielding composites display a superior electrical conductivity of 3166.4 S m(-1), and EMI shield effectiveness of 74.5 dB at the X-band (8.2-12.4 GHz). It is worth noting that the introduction of silicone resins sharply improves the hydrophobicity of EMI shielding materials to a range of water contact angle of about 151.5 degrees-155.0 degrees. This is a promising method to make MXene-based EMI shielding composites with self-cleaning function.