Superhydrophobic MXene/CNTs/oxidized sodium alginate/collagen composite aerogel for electromagnetic interference shielding, thermal insulation, and Joule heating

The multifunctional electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials have become more and more indispensable due to serious electromagnetic radiation pollution and harsh wild environments. Herein, hydrophobic MXene/CNTs/oxidized sodium alginate/collagen (MCAC) composite aerogel with excellent EMI shielding, Joule heating and thermal insulation performance was prepared via unidirectional freeze-drying and dip-coating with PDMS. The 1D 2D conductive network between MXene and CNTs endowed hydrophobic MCAC composite aerogel with high electrical conductivity (178.45 S/m), excellent EMI shielding effectiveness (61.47 dB at a thickness of 2 mm) and low-voltage-driven Joule heating (up to 90 °C at 6 V). Furthermore, hydrophobic MCAC composite aerogel also exhibited superhydrophobicity (contact angle of 157.2°) and extraordinary thermal insulation performance. This work provides a forward-looking idea for building multifunctional EMI shielding materials with superior EMI SE, which have potential applications in aerospace, portable electronic devices, and defense industries.