Aramid nanofiber-assisted dual crosslinked MXene for large-area, ultrathin, ultraflexible, oxidation-resistant electromagnetic interference shielding and electro-/photo-thermal conversion

Transition metal carbides and nitrides (MXenes) have demonstrated high potential for developing thin, flexible, and high-performance electromagnetic interference (EMI) shields. These materials also present significant challenges, including susceptibility to oxidation, difficulty achieving strong interfacial interactions, and the complexity of fabricating ultrathin yet tough macrostructures. Here, aramid nanofibers are employed to enable both physical and chemical dual cross-linking of MXene nanosheets (C-ANF/C-MXene) with mussel byssus-inspired microstructure. The large-scale, flexible and highly conductive C-ANF/C-MXene films are produced through the ambient pressure casting appraoch, underlined as an energy-efficient and scalable solution. Compared to ANF/MXene films created solely through the physical cross-linking, C-ANF/C-MXene films exhibit notable enhancements in mechanical strength, toughness, hydrophobicity, water resistance, and oxidation stability while maintaining their exceptional EMI shielding performance. The combination of MXene, ANF, and a layered microstructure synergistically boosts the EMI shielding performance alongside remarkable photo-/electro-thermal conversion. This work underscores the potential of a novel type of multifunctional MXene-based film for applications in flexible electronics, electromagnetic protection or compatibility, and thermal therapy.