3D Reduced Graphene Oxide/MXene Scaffolds with Precisely Anchored Fe ₃ O ₄ Nanoparticles and Impregnated Polyethylene Glycol for Efficient Thermal Management and Electromagnetic Interference Shielding

This article presents a breakthrough composite phase change material (CPCM) featuring a three-dimensional (3D) reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/MXene scaffold. Through magnetic-field-assisted self-assembly, highly dispersed Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) are precisely anchored between the MXene layers and graphene oxide surfaces via hydrogen bonding. The resulting rGO/MXene@Fe3O4 framework is then infused with polyethylene glycol (PEG) through vacuum impregnation, creating a multifunctional system that synergistically integrates photothermal conversion, microwave absorption, and infrared stealth capabilities. The optimized CPCM demonstrates outstanding PEG adsorption capacity (>95%) while maintaining superior thermal properties. Its melting and crystallization enthalpies are 176.87 and 171.66 J g–1, respectively, and it exhibits 62% thermal conductivity enhancement relative to that of pure PEG. By leveraging the heterogeneous interfaces formed through rGO/MXene interactions, the composite achieves a record photothermal conversion efficiency of 96.7%. The synergistic effect of the Fe3O4 NPs further elevates magnetic loss and impedance matching, resulting in an exceptional microwave absorption performance with a minimum reflection loss of −51.98 dB at 9.9 mm thickness. Dynamic thermal analysis reveals a rapid infrared stealth response (25.4 °C temperature increase within 50 s) and exceptional cycling stability, underscoring its potential for advanced applications in thermal regulation, electromagnetic interference shielding, and energy conversion systems.