Multifunctional\nFlexible AgNW/MXene/PDMS Composite\nFilms for Efficient Electromagnetic Interference Shielding and Strain\nSensing

Abstract

With\nthe rapid development of electronic information technology,\ncomposite materials with outstanding performance in terms of electromagnetic\ninterference (EMI) shielding and strain sensing are crucial for next-generation\nsmart wearable electronic devices. However, the fabrication of flexible\ncomposite films with dual functionality remains a significant challenge.\nHerein, multifunctional flexible composite films with exciting EMI\nshielding and strain sensing properties were constructed using a facile\nvacuum-assisted filtration process and transfer method. The films\nconsisted of ultrathin AgNW/MXene (Ti₃C₂T_<i>x</i>)/AgNW conductive networks (1 μm) attached\nto a flexible polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate. The obtained\nAgNW/MXene/PDMS composite film exhibited an exceptional EMI shielding\neffectiveness of 50.82 dB and good flexibility (retaining 93.67 and\n90.18% of its original value after 1000 bending and stretching cycles,\nrespectively), which are attributed to the enhanced multilayer internal\nreflection network created by the AgNWs and MXene as well as the synergistic\neffect of PDMS. Besides EMI shielding, the composite films also displayed\nremarkable strain sensing properties. They exhibited a wide linear\nrange of tensile strain up to 68% with a gauge factor of 468. They\nalso showed fast response, ultralow detection limit, and high mechanical\nstability. Interestingly, the composite films could also detect motion\nand voice recognition, demonstrating their potential as wearable sensors.\nThis study highlights the effectiveness of multifunctional flexible\nAgNW/MXene/PDMS composite films in resisting electromagnetic radiation\nand monitoring human motion, thereby providing a promising solution\nfor the development of flexible wearable electronic devices in complex\nelectromagnetic environments.