Multifunctional recycled carbon fiber-Ti3C2Tx MXene paper with superior electromagnetic interference shielding and photo/electro-thermal conversion performances

The electromagnetic wave irradiation has obstructed the precise operation of the high-tech electronic equipment and threatened the health of the bodies during the 5G era. It is critical to develop electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials with remarkable shielding effectiveness along with lightweight and flexible properties, while the integrations of the heat management performances have been gradually indispensable, especially in wearable electronic device applications. Anchoring the Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets on the surfaces of the recycled carbon fibers (RCF) and assembling heterostructure can be regarded as effective strategies, while simultaneously solving the conductivity reduction and the corresponding performance degradation bottlenecks of the thermal-recycling carbon fiber. The construction of the RCF-MXene paper performs remarkable EMI shielding performance of 45.7 dB, while the specific SE/t can be improved to 7723.85 dB cm(2) g(-1), along with impressive photothermal and electrothermal conversion abilities. After coating PDMS layers, the flexible RCF-MXene@PDMS film maintains stable EMI shielding performance when experiencing in-situ electrothermal conversion and after 10000-cycle mechanical deformation processes. Exhibiting multifunctionality by facile synthesis strategies, the RCF-MXene-based materials provide great potential as next-generation candidates in wearable electronic de vices, together with promoting the advancement of the sustainable reuse of the carbon fibers resources.

Automated summary

Developing electromagnetic interference shielding materials with shielding effectiveness, lightweight and flexible properties, and heat management performance is crucial for wearable electronic devices. Anchoring Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets on recycled carbon fiber surfaces and assembling heterostructure were effective strategies to address the conductivity reduction and performance degradation issues of thermal-recycling carbon fiber. The constructed RCF-MXene paper exhibited remarkable EMI shielding performance and impressive photothermal and electrothermal conversion abilities.