Multifunctional Hydrophobic MXene-Coated Cotton Fabrics for Electro/Photothermal Conversion, Electromagnetic Interference Shielding, and Pressure Sensing

Abstract

MXene is a two-dimensional material for preparing wearable electronic textiles. However, maintaining the conductivity, stability, and comfort of MXene-based functional textiles in humid air or water is a key challenge. In this work, the active adsorption sites on cotton fabric surfaces were increased by low-temperature micro-dissolution. It also enhances the bonding ability of MXene with cotton fabrics by using polydopamine (PDA) as an interface agent. Finally, 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane (PFOTES) was impregnated on the surface of the cotton fabric modified by MXene, which effectively avoided the oxidation of MXene while imparting good hydrophobic properties to the fabric. The composite conductive fabric shows excellent electro/photothermal performance. Driven by low voltage, the surface temperature of the fabric can reach 140 °C within 30 s. After 20 s of irradiation by a 250 W infrared lamp, the surface of the fabric can rapidly warm to 110 °C. The fabric shows excellent EMI shielding performance, with an EMI shielding effect of 32 dB at 8–12 GHz. In addition, the fabric exhibits good sensing stability and fast response and recovery in stress sensing. This material has a simple preparation process, diverse functional characteristics, and great potential in the next generation of intelligent wearable electronic products.