Anomalous absorption of electromagnetic waves by 2D transition metal carbonitride Ti<sub>3</sub>CNT <i><sub>x</sub></i> (MXene).

Iqbal, Aamir; Shahzad, Faisal; Hantanasirisakul, Kanit; Kim, Myung-Ki; Kwon, Jisung; Hong, Junpyo; Kim, Hyerim; Kim, Daesin et al. · Science · 2020

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Lightweight, ultrathin, and flexible electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials are needed to protect electronic circuits and portable telecommunication devices and to eliminate cross-talk between devices and device components. Here, we show that a two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbonitride, Ti<sub>3</sub>CNT <i><sub>x</sub></i> MXene, with a moderate electrical conductivity, provides a higher shielding effectiveness compared with more conductive Ti<sub>3</sub>C<sub>2</sub>T <i><sub>x</sub></i> or metal foils of the same thickness. This exceptional shielding performance of Ti<sub>3</sub>CNT <i><sub>x</sub></i> was achieved by thermal annealing and is attributed to an anomalously high absorption of electromagnetic waves in its layered, metamaterial-like structure. These results provide guidance for designing advanced EMI shielding materials but also highlight the need for exploring fundamental mechanisms behind interaction of electromagnetic waves with 2D materials.