Large-scalable, flexible and durable MXene/gelatin composite film for electromagnetic shielding and self-powered sensing

The increasingly serious electromagnetic radiation and electronic waste pose a significant threat to public health and the operation of electronic devices. Despite the enormous potential of highly conductive Ti₃C₂T_x MXene-based electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials, significant challenges persist in terms of mechanical flexibility and antioxidation. In this study, it was firstly proposed for a scalable method to prepare MXene Ti₃C₂T_x/gelatin/sodium lignosulphonate (MXene/GEL/SL) films with good biodegradability, and Fe³⁺ ions were introduced to enhance cross-linking degree and stabilize the gelatin matrixes, which endowed the films with mechanical flexibility and durability. The film (MXene content: 30 wt%) has a thickness of merely 0.08 mm, exhibiting a high SE/d value of 432 dB/mm and maintaining its good EMI shielding performance even after being soaked in water for 15 days. Additionally, the film-based triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) even in 85 % humidity manifest excellent open-circuit voltage (230 V), short-circuit current (28 μA) and power density (2.9 W/m²), respectively. Also, the TENG demonstrates good utility as a self-powered sensor when attached to different parts of human body to monitor human health. Therefore, the as-developed MXene/GEL/SL film presents good application prospects in the fields of both electromagnetic shielding and self-powered sensing for wearable electronics.