Interfacial engineering of hybrid MXene-Ni-CF tri-core–shell composites for electromagnetic interference shielding and E-heating applications

In response to the the needs for multifunctional carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites, we present a novel, tri-core-shell CFRP consisting of MXene, nickel (Ni), and CF synthesized through layer-by-layer assembly. The hybrid composites demonstrate remarkable electrical conductivity and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, alongside efficient electrical (E-) heating properties. Additionally, the MXene-Ni-CF/EP hybrid composite displayed improved flexural strength and ILSS compared to Ni-CF/EP composite. Outstanding enhancements were observed in both the through-thickness and in-plane electrical conductivities, with a 116-fold and 14-fold improvement, respectively, attributed to the complex MXene-Ni-CF conductive paths. The hierarchical composites significantly outperformed the state of the art and demonstrated a superior EMI shielding efficiency of 72.4 dB by virtue of the dielectric and magnetic loss mechanisms. The low-voltage-driven E-heating capacity could be utilized for de-icing applications due to the thermally conductive networks. The produced composites offer a highly promising solution to tackle challenges associated with lightning strikes and icy weather conditions, while also aligning with the goal of cost-effective industrial production.