Breathable, robust, and corrosion-resistant composite films with finger-web-like architecture for highly efficient electromagnetic interference shielding

Exploiting multifunctional electromagnetic shielding films is an inevitable requirement to address the complex usage environment and the advancement of flexible electronics. However, there are significant challenges in obtaining highly efficient electromagnetic shielding composites that possess both breathability, mechanical robustness, and corrosion resistance. Here, to overcome the constraints imposed by conventional dense composite films in engineering applications, we have devised an innovative composite film featuring a finger-web-like architecture comprised of metal fiber felt and Ti3C2Tx MXene. This structure provides a unique combination of air permeability, mechanical robustness, corrosion resistance, and superior EMI shielding capabilities. Utilizing nickel fiber felt (NF) as the substrate, NF/MXene/MnO2 (NMM) was obtained through facile self-assembly and reduction reaction. The maximum EMI shielding effectiveness of NMM reaches 87.3 dB and the absolute EMI shielding value is 3858 dB cm2 g−1, surpassing dense metal foils, as well as some typical foam and film structures. Meanwhile, by applying various metal fiber felt as substrates, different shielding films with performance bias can be obtained, demonstrating the universality of this strategy. The excellent breathability, mechanical robustness, and corrosion resistance enable NMM to cope with more demanding usage scenarios, particularly for the electromagnetic protection of marine equipment and various vents. A universal designing strategy is proposed to obtain multifunctional films with breathability, mechanical robustness, corrosion resistance, and high electromagnetic interference shielding properties. The as-fabricated films possess a unique finger-web-like structure comprised of metal fibers and MXene nanosheets, which can effectively shield electromagnetic waves and resist external corrosion. [Display omitted]