Ti3C2Tx/rGO aerogel towards high electromagnetic wave absorption and thermal resistance

Abstract

Facing the fast development of telecommunication technology, traditional electromagnetic wave absorbing materials are unable to meet the microwave shielding requirements in practical applications. Herein, a Ti₃C₂T_x MXene/rGO composite aerogel was synthesized by facile hydrothermal and freeze-drying treatment. The prepared aerogel shows a unique porous three-dimensional network structure, which is of great advantage in improving its microwave absorption capability. Mixing Ti₃C₂T_x and rGO adjusts the impedance match in the absorption process. When the weight ratio of Ti₃C₂T_x to rGO is 1 : 6, the minimum reflection value (RL_m) reaches −53.49 dB at 17.0 GHz (thickness = 2.2 mm), and the corresponding effective absorption bandwidth is 4.4 GHz (from 13.6 GHz to 18.0 GHz). rGO nanosheets of large size could retard the oxidation of Ti₃C₂T_x to some extent. With its excellent microwave absorption performance, broad effective bandwidth, outstanding thermal resistance, and heat insulating properties, the composite aerogel has a great practical potential.