Mechanically strong, flexible, and flame-retardant Ti3C2Tx MXene-coated aramid paper with superior electromagnetic interference shielding and electrical heating performance

Undesirable electromagnetic interference (EMI) created by modern electronic devices has detrimental effects on the performance of high-precision electronic devices, information security, and human health. Therefore, lightweight, flexible, robust, and easy-to-fabricate EMI shielding materials with integrated functions are highly desirable to combat electromagnetic pollution. Herein, we report a scalable and facile strategy to prepare a flexible Ti3C2Tx MXene-coated aramid paper (MAP) with high-efficiency EMI shielding and excellent electrical heating performance. The intertwined network by aramid fibers endows the aramid paper (AP) with superior mechanical properties. After selectively single/dual coating with MXene onto AP, the MAP maintains a superior tensile strength of 73.6 MPa and enormous folding endurance of 4156 times. Owing to the exceptional electrical conductivity of MXene, the MAP with a relatively low MXene content (∼9.0 wt%) exhibits excellent overall performance with an EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) of 38 dB and SE/t of 422.2 dB mm−1. It’s noteworthy that the EMI SE of the MAP remains almost unchanged (37.4 dB) even after experiencing 5,000 repeated bending cycles. Additionally, the MAP shows satisfactory Joule electric-heating capability (a heating temperature rise of 130 °C at a low driving voltage of 5 V) and excellent flame-retardancy. This work provides a feasible strategy for large-scale production of flexible EMI shielding paper with multifunctional properties for future wearable facilities.