As electronic devices, wireless communication systems, and infrared detection technologies continue to evolve, materials capable of simultaneously managing electromagnetic radiation and thermal signatures are attracting growing attention. Conventional conductive materials can provide electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding or infrared camouflage individually, but integrating multiple defense functions into lightweight, scalable materials remains challenging.
In a newly published study, researchers developed a cellulose/MXene sediment aerogel that combines EMI shielding, infrared stealth, and Joule heating within a single porous structure. Rather than relying on conventional freeze-drying or supercritical drying routes, the team adopted an ambient-pressure drying process, offering a simpler and potentially more scalable fabrication pathway.
The study centers on MXene sediment, a byproduct typically generated during MXene exfoliation. While high-quality delaminated MXene nanosheets are widely studied, the sediment remaining after centrifugation is often underutilized despite containing multilayer MXene and residual conductive phases. The researchers used this MXene sediment together with TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers (TOCNF) to construct a lightweight aerogel framework.
One of the key difficulties in ambient-pressure drying lies in preventing pore collapse during solvent evaporation. Strong capillary forces generated during drying frequently destroy the porous architecture of nanocellulose aerogels, severely compromising their functional performance. To address this issue, the team introduced a dual-crosslinking strategy involving hydrogen bonding and Zr 4+ ionic coordination. According to the study, the high charge density and multidentate coordination ability of Zr 4+ ions reinforced the pore walls and enabled the structure to withstand capillary stress during drying. Ethanol replacement was additionally used to lower solvent surface tension and further suppress structural collapse.
The resulting aerogel retained a highly porous architecture with a porosity of 91.8% and a specific surface area of 68.6 m 2 g -1 . Microscopic characterization confirmed the presence of interconnected pore channels together with uniformly distributed MXene-containing conductive networks. This porous structure proved important not only for weight reduction and thermal insulation, but also for electromagnetic wave attenuation through multiple internal reflections and absorption processes.
Electrical conductivity increased with MXene sediment loading, enabling strong EMI shielding performance. The optimized TMS75 aerogel achieved a shielding effectiveness of 73.2 dB in the X band and maintained shielding values of 63.2 dB and 86.6 dB in the C and Ku bands, respectively. The researchers noted that the shielding mechanism was primarily reflection-dominated because of the high electrical conductivity of the MXene network, while the porous structure contributed additional absorption losses through multiple scattering and polarization effects.
Beyond EMI shielding, the aerogel also demonstrated notable infrared stealth capability. Materials with high conductivity generally exhibit low infrared emissivity, reducing detectable thermal radiation. When placed on a 95 °C hot surface, the TMS75 aerogel maintained a surface temperature of only 43.9 °C after three minutes, significantly suppressing the infrared signature of the underlying heat source. Infrared imaging experiments further showed that the aerogel could effectively conceal the thermal signature of a human hand. The combination of low infrared emissivity and low thermal conductivity enabled the material to reduce both thermal radiation and heat transfer simultaneously.
The conductive MXene network also enabled efficient Joule heating performance. Under a voltage of only 2.5 V, the aerogel reached 106.8 °C within 40 seconds. Stable heating behavior was maintained during repeated cycling tests, and the material demonstrated effective low-voltage deicing capability by converting ice at −20 °C into water under electrical stimulation. The authors suggest that such low-voltage electrothermal behavior may be useful for thermal management and environmental adaptation applications.
By combining biomass-derived nanocellulose with underutilized MXene sediment through a scalable drying strategy, the study presents a multifunctional aerogel platform that integrates electromagnetic protection, infrared camouflage, and thermal response in a single lightweight structure. The work also highlights a broader approach for converting MXene processing byproducts into high-value functional materials.
See the article:
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobab.2026.100266
Original Source URL
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2369969826000381
Journal
Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts
Experimental study
Not applicable
Ambient-Pressure-Dried Cellulose/MXene Sediment Aerogel for Spectra Compatible Defense and Joule Heating
12-May-2026