“MXene@C/SiO 2 composite films with layered heterostructures for high-temperature infrared stealth, electromagnetic interference shielding, and fire safety” (2026), by Nan Pang et al. Materials Science research paper. Original abstract below, unchanged. A free PDF is available.

MXene@C/SiO 2 composite films with layered heterostructures for high-temperature infrared stealth, electromagnetic interference shielding, and fire safety

Nan Pang, Xiaoqing Yin, Yi Lu et al. · October 28, 2026 · Materials Science

Abstract

Flexible materials integrating infrared stealth, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, thermal management, and fire safety are highly desirable for aerospace and high-temperature electronics. Here, layered MXene@C/SiO2 composite films (MCSx) with tunable structural units were constructed by combining low-thermal-conductivity C/SiO2 nanofiber layers with highly conductive MXene layers. This heterogeneous architecture endows the films with pronounced anisotropic thermal transport and an ultralow through-plane thermal conductivity of 0.030 W m−1 K−1. Benefiting from the low emissivity of MXene and efficient thermal insulation, the films achieve infrared stealth over 50–500 °C and reduce the apparent surface temperature by 365.7 °C at a heat source temperature of 500 °C. The continuous MXene network enables rapid Joule heating from 29.5 to 149.6 °C at 0.5–3.0 V with an electrothermal conversion efficiency exceeding 99%. The conductive layers and heterogeneous interfaces jointly achieve an X-band EMI shielding effectiveness of 71.6 dB. The films also exhibit excellent flame retardancy, thermal insulation, and fire resistance while maintaining EMI shielding performance after flame exposure. This work provides a heterostructure engineering strategy for developing multifunctional protective materials under thermally demanding conditions.

Free PDF DOI: 10.26599/nr.2026.94909295