SWCNT-modulated folding-resistant sandwich-structured graphene film for high-performance electromagnetic interference shielding

Abstract Macro-assembled carbon-based materials have demonstrated great potential for high-performance electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. However, how to enable a combined feature of superior foldability and high-efficiency shielding, which is crucial for the high-performance realization, still remains challenging. Here, an effective and facile strategy to solve the problem was proposed by developing a lightweight single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs)/graphene film (SGF) with an interconnected porous layered sandwich structure, via welding SWCNTs between graphene layers as the skeleton. The special structure endowed SGF with a prominent folding-resistant performance under repeated folding over 1000 times, without any remarkable variation in structure, and mechanical and electrical properties. Simultaneously, an outstanding EMI shielding effectiveness of ca. 80 dB was achieved for the resultant SGF owing to the high conductivity of SWCNTs and graphene network, as well as multi-reflections built up in the interlayers of SGF. This study provides useful guidelines for the designing and fabrication of carbon-based EMI shielding materials with high folding and shielding properties toward future uses.