Multifunctional Nanocellulose/Carbon Nanotube Composite Aerogels for High-Efficiency Electromagnetic Interference Shielding

Bio-based specialized components have emerged as a promising trend to limit the use of petroleum derivatives. Conversely, the current use of electronic systems has conditioned the emission of electromagnetic waves that interfere with high-precision devices and harm human health. Thus, robust, ultralight, and conductive nanocellulose-based aerogels paired with carbon nanotubes appear as an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding biomaterial to reduce the dispersion of microwaves emitted or received from a device. This study proposes a reliable aerogel system to deflect radiation by integrating TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibrils, cationic cellulose nanocrystals, and sodium alginate, with carbon nanotubes at various concentrations. After inducing gelation, the aerogels were obtained by freeze drying. According to zeta potential and FTIR analysis data of nanocellulose, the aerogel frame was induced by electrostatic attraction and hydrogen bonds between the cellulosic matrix and the nanofillers. Finally, lightweight (density < 0.075 g/cm3), highly porous (porosity > 95.47%), conductive (up to 26.2 S/m), mechanically resistant, and EMI-protective aerogels were obtained, proving their potential to be used as green and lightweight shielding elements against electromagnetic radiation.