Polypyrrole-modified PVDF-HFP coaxial electrospun composite membranes for intelligent thermal management and electromagnetic interference shielding

The increasing prevalence of extreme environments and the growing severity of electromagnetic pollution make it urgent to develop composites that combine dynamic thermal management with electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding capabilities. However, it is challenging to integrate all these performances into single devices through a straightforward method. This study reports a novel composite membrane that combines outstanding thermal management capabilities and EMI shielding performance. The fibre membrane, with distinct core-shell structure, maintains a thermal storage capacity (82.84 J/g) and anti-leakage properties. The in-situ polymerised PPy endows it with active thermal management capabilities, including Joule heating and solar-to-thermal conversion properties. A satisfactory EMI shielding performance was also achieved, and the shielding effectiveness can be enhanced through a simple origami technique. Moreover, the composite exhibits desirable thermal stability and cycle reliability. In brief, this multifunctional composite film demonstrates significant application potential in wearable textiles for thermal management and EMI shielding.