Promising PVDF-CNT-Graphene-NiCo chains composite films with excellent electromagnetic interference shielding performance

Polymer-based composite electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials have aroused great interest among scientific researchers because of excellent properties. Herein, the poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)-carbon nanotube (CNT)-Graphene (G)-NiCo chains composite film with ultrahigh EMI shielding properties was prepared through solution mixing and compression molding. In the composite film, 1D carbon nanotube (CNT) and NiCo chains connected the surrounding 2D graphene nanoplates and formed interfacial interconnected networks. The electrical conductivity and total electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SET) of the samples increased progressively with the increased NiCo quality contents. The resultant PVDF-CNT-G-8NiCo composite film exhibited an excellent electrical conductivity of 9.12 S/cm and an ultrahigh EMI SET of 63.3 dB. The results were superior to those of PVDF-CNT-8NiCo composite film, clearly confirming the synergistic effect of graphene nanoplates and CNT. The formation of multi-layers interfacial conductive CNT-G-NiCo networks promoted conductive dissipation, multiple reflections and scattering of incident electromagnetic (EM) waves. Meanwhile, this work provides guidance for the rational design of high-performance polymer-based composite EMI shielding materials and has great potential in practical applications.