MXene-based composites for electromagnetic interference and nuclear radiation shielding: hybrid material strategies and perspectives

Abstract In an era dominated by electronic and nuclear innovations, safeguarding devices and human health from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and nuclear radiation (NR) demands the development of high-efficiency, multifunctional shielding materials that can meet the rigorous requirements of modern civilization. Among the available candidates, two-dimensional transition metal carbides and nitrides, known as MXenes, have attracted significant attention owing to their enormous surface area, excellent conductivity, mechanical flexibility, low density, variety of surface terminations, and the simplicity of solution-based production. Leveraging these properties, recent fabrication strategies have enabled the development of MXene-based composites with enhanced shielding capabilities, particularly when integrated with polymers, gel-based frameworks, metal oxides, or carbon derivatives, allowing for synergistic improvements in performance. This review outlines the fundamental principles governing shielding mechanisms and evaluates the key parameters that influence shielding efficiency. In particular, it examines the individual contributions of absorption loss, reflection loss, and multiple internal reflections to the attenuation of EMI. In addition, the review examines the potential of MXene-based composites in NR shielding, focusing on material modifications, attenuation mechanisms, and their integration with other shielding agents to enhance overall effectiveness. Owing to their unique physicochemical characteristics, MXenes and MXene-based composites offer multifunctional shielding capabilities that make them promising alternatives to traditional materials. This review utilizes that potential to assess current limitations, outline future directions, and highlight challenges and opportunities in developing next-generation EMI and NR shielding systems, thereby offering guidance for future research and development in this rapidly evolving field. Graphical abstract