Smart fabric using continuous deposition of graphene and aniline, application to electromagnetic shielding

This study presents the development of conductive textiles for effective electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, achieved through the modification of cotton fabric with graphene and polyaniline. Graphene, obtained by electrochemical exfoliation of recycled graphite from spent batteries, and polyaniline, synthesized in situ using hydrogen peroxide as a novel oxidant, were selectively deposited on the cotton fibers to ensure strong adhesion and uniform dispersion. The electrical conductivity and EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) of the modified fabrics were evaluated in the 8–9 GHz frequency range as a function of nanofiller content. Experimental results showed excellent electrical conductivity and significant EMI shielding performance, with a maximum SE value of 15.4 dB. The synergistic conductive network formed by the integration of electrochemically exfoliated graphene and chemically synthesized polyaniline played a critical role in enhancing the electromagnetic wave attenuation. This work demonstrates a sustainable approach for the preparation of high-performance EMI shielding textiles using recycled materials and a novel synthesis route, and demonstrates the potential of graphene and polyaniline as effective conductive nanofillers for advanced EMI shielding applications.