Synergistic AlN@MXene Hybrids with Anti-Corrosion and Durable Electromagnetic Wave Absorption

The development of multifunctional coatings combining electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption with long-term durability is essential for advanced electronic and marine applications. In this perspective, aluminum nitride (AlN) and Ti3C2Tx MXene composites were synthesized via an electrostatic self-assembly strategy and subsequently integrated into an epoxy (EP) matrix to form a protective coating. The resulting EP-AlN@MXene coating exhibited remarkable EMW absorption, with a minimum reflection loss (RL) of −29.25 dB and a broad effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 11.1 GHz at an optimal thickness of 2.2 mm. Beyond absorption performance, the coating demonstrated excellent anticorrosion behavior, achieving a low corrosion rate of 0.0033 mpy in 3.5 wt % NaCl solution, as well as superior adhesion strength (11.5 MPa) and hydrophobicity (water contact angle of 120.18°). The synergistic combination of AlN and MXene not only suppressed self-stacking and enhanced interfacial polarization but also provided a robust, corrosion-resistant barrier. Complementary computational analysis revealed a reduced Fermi level (2.63 eV) for the AlN@MXene composite, indicative of a narrower band gap that promotes dielectric loss and corroborates the enhanced EMW absorption capability. These findings highlight the potential of EP–AlN@MXene composites as comprehensive protective coatings that simultaneously ensure EMW absorption, corrosion resistance, and strong adhesion, offering a promising pathway for offshore and harsh-environment applications.