Transparent electromagnetic interference shielding materials using MXene

Abstract

With the rapid advancement of terahertz technologies, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials are needed to ensure secure electromagnetic environments. Enormous efforts have been devoted to achieving highly efficient EMI shielding films by enhancing flexibility, lightweight, mechanical robustness, and high shielding efficiency. However, the consideration of the optical properties of these shielding materials is still in its infancy. By incorporating transparency, visual information from protected systems can be preserved for monitoring interior working conditions, and the optical imperceptibility allows nonoffensive and easy cover of shielding materials for both device and biology. There are many materials that can be applied to transparent EMI shields. In particular, two-dimensional transition metal carbide/nitrides (MXenes), possessing the advantages of superior conductivity, optical properties, favorable flexibility, and facile processibility, have become a great candidate. This work reviews the recent research on developing highly efficient and optically transparent EMI shields in a comprehensive way. Materials from MXenes, indium tin oxide, metal, carbon, and conductive polymers are covered, with a focus on the employment of MXene-based composites in transparent EMI shielding. The prospects and challenges for the future development of MXene-based transparent EMI shields are discussed. This work aims to promote the development of high-performance, optically transparent EMI shields for broader applications by leveraging MXenes.