Multifunctional MXene/Carbon Nanotube Janus Film for Infrared Shielding/Detection, Electromagnetic Shielding and Joule Heating in Harsh Environments

Multifunctional, flexible, and robust thin films capable of operating in demanding harsh temperature environments are crucial for various cutting-edge applications. This study presents a multifunctional bi-layer Janus film that integrates a highly crystalline Ti3C2Tx MXene and a robust carbon nanotube (CNT) film through strong hydrogen bonding. The hybrid film not only exhibits high electrical conductivity (4250 S cm-1), but also demonstrates robust mechanical strength and durability in both extremely low and high temperature environments, along with exceptional resistance to severe thermal shocks. This hybrid film reveals remarkable multifunctionality, including an outstanding electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (SE) of 72 dB at a thickness of 15 μm in X band and excellent IR shielding capability with an average emissivity of 0.09 (a minimal value of 0.02). Additionally, the Janus film demonstrates superior thermal camouflage performance over a wide temperature range (-1 to 300 oC), achieving a notable reduction in the radiated temperature by 243 oC against a background temperature of 300 oC. Furthermore, the Janus film exhibits outstanding IR detection capability, characterized by a 44% increase in resistance when exposed to 250 W IR radiation. The Janus film also exhibits superior joule heating performance compared to other nanomaterials. This multifunctional MXene/CNT Janus film offers a feasible solution for electromagnetic shielding, IR shielding/detection, and joule heating under challenging conditions.