Nitrogen-Rich Azolate Framework-Derived Porous Carbon Nanocomposite Hydrogels Shielding Material with Tunable Dynamic Bonding-Induced Self-Healing Properties.

Abstract

Conductive hydrogels are promising candidates for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding in flexible and wearable electronics, yet their practical implementation remains hindered by low-temperature freezing and mechanical fragility. Although organohydrogels can enhance anti-freezing performance, their compromised conductivity often reduces shielding efficiency. Here, a multifunctional Fe@C/TPS nanocomposite hydrogel engineered through the incorporation of nitrogen-rich azolate framework-derived porous carbon is reported. The introduction of these nanomaterials simultaneously enhances ionic conductivity and mechanical robustness through strong interfacial interactions. As a result, the hydrogel achieves an outstanding EMI shielding effectiveness of 56.97 dB in the X-band, alongside rapid strain response (response time: 200 ms, GF = 4.7). Remarkably, stable shielding and sensing performance are maintained even under harsh conditions, including -20 °C and 60% tensile strain, owing to the binary water-ethylene glycol solvent system that sustains a robust conductive network. Moreover, the dynamic hydrogen-bonding interactions impart excellent self-healing behavior, enabling over 92% recovery of the original shielding efficiency after mechanical damage.