One-Step Method for Fabricating Janus Aramid Nanofiber/MXene Nanocomposite Films with Improved Joule Heating and Thermal Camouflage Properties

ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2023 Nov 29;15(47):55150-55162. doi: 10.1021/acsami.3c13722. Epub 2023 Nov 15.

Abstract

The integration of ultraflexible and mechanically robust films with electric heaters and camouflage technology provides a promising platform for the development of wearable devices, especially for aerospace and military applications. Herein, we present a facile and efficient one-step vacuum-assisted filtration method for fabricating Janus films based on aramid nanofibers (ANF) and Ti3C2Tx (MXene). The ANF/MXene nanocomposite film exhibits remarkable properties, including high conductivity (23809.5 S/m), excellent mechanical strength (102.54 MPa), and outstanding thermal stability (575 °C). Most notably, the Janus ANF/MXene composite film demonstrates superior Joule heating performance with a low driving voltage (1-5 V), high heating temperature (30-276 °C), and rapid response time (within 5 s). Additionally, the film exhibits effective thermal camouflage (72 °C for objects with temperatures above 163 °C) and excellent electromagnetic interference shielding properties (SSE/t = 32475.6 dB cm2/g). These results demonstrate that Janus ANF/MXene films possess a unique combination of thermal camouflage, Joule heating, and electromagnetic interference shielding properties, making them highly promising for wearable devices, high-performance electrical heating, infrared stealth, and security protection applications.

Keywords: ANF/MXene; Janus films; Joule heating; electromagnetic interference shielding; thermal camouflage.