Microspace regulation inspired by water permeation phenomenon for the preparation of high-conductivity composite films with efficient electromagnetic shielding performance

Conductive polymers , integral to advancements in wearable devices , energy storage, healthcare and more, are crafted by integrating polymers with conductive elements like carbon substances, metals, and their particles. Drawing inspiration from natural water movement, this study introduces a method for crafting high-performance conductive composite films . This technique involves regulating the microstructure space of GaIn-based polymers under the mechanical pressure, where the fluid metal improves the internal microstructure gaps of the material. The presence of hydroxyl/carboxyl groups within the polymer enables the bonding with Ga 3+ ions from the liquid metal (LM), securing them in place. This innovative process significantly boosts the material's electrical and thermal conductivity , as well as its mechanical integrity. This methodology has been successfully applied to enhance the attributes of GaIn-based composite films, utilizing nanocellulose fibers, chitosan nanofibers , and Kevlar-29 fibers as foundational materials. To demonstrate the method's effectiveness, a durable, highly thermally and electrically conductive GaIn-based MXene/nanocellulose composite film was developed and investigated in detail. This film showcased remarkable electromagnetic shielding with a high SSE/t value of 7718.91 dB cm 2  g −1 , and its performance mechanism was detailed through finite element analysis. Notably, the inclusion of GaIn endowed the film with excellent opto-electro-thermal conversion and heat-responsive deformation capabilities, highlighting its suitability for smart applications. Therefore, this research establishes a versatile approach for designing conductive films by merging liquid metal with polymers, potentially setting the stage for the creation of highly conductive composites in future.