Multi-layer carbon fiber paper @reduced graphene oxide/Co/C composite with adjustable electromagnetic interference shielding properties

Paper-based composite materials exhibit a marked tendency towards thinner and lighter profiles in the context of electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. Carbon fiber paper (CFP) has excellent electrical conductivity and Lightweight base characteristics. However, its single electrical loss characteristic and uncontrollable EMI shielding performance are limited in application. Therefore, we prepared CFP@ graphene oxide (GO)/ZIF-67 composites by chemical bonding and in-situ polymerization, and then prepared CFP@rGO/Co/C composites with integrated structure and function by heat treatment. Layer-by-layer assembly technology was employed to develop composite materials with tunable EMI shielding performance. The composite material has excellent high conductivity (2475.86 S/m) and excellent EMI shielding performance (average X-band EMI efficiency (SE)38.46 dB, absolute shielding effectiveness (SSE/t) = 14388.56 dB cm2 g−1). Through the layer-by-layer assembly technology, the EMI SE performance of the 7-layer assembled material reached 85.83 dB, and the EMI SSE/t reached 32110.51 dB cm2 g−1. Through simulation verification, the EMI shielding performance of the materials is compared, and ideas for EMI material design are provided. In addition, the material also has excellent Joule heating performance, fast electrothermal response and good temperature controllability. The material exhibits remarkable resilience against harsh environmental conditions, including strong acids, bases, organic reagents, ultrasonic waves, combustive processes, and extremely low temperatures. Despite these severe treatments, its performance remains above 90 % intact. This study proposes a magnetic-dielectric synergistic, performance-adjustable CFP-based shielding material, which has great application potential in the future wearable, defense, and aerospace fields.