Renewable cellulose-reinforced flexible Ti3C2Tx-based phase change composites for electromagnetic shielding and thermal management

The relentless miniaturization and integration of modern electronic devices impose stringent demands on efficient thermal management and the suppression of electromagnetic interference. Addressing both challenges with a single material system is vital for the advancement of next-generation electronics. Here, we present a novel class of multifunctional, shape-stabilized phase change composites comprising an interconnected MXene/cellulose nanofiber aerogel framework infused with an ethylene vinyl acetate/paraffin wax medium. A simple, energy-efficient ethanol ice crystal exchange process is employed to fabricate mechanically robust and flexible MXene/ cellulose nanofiber aerogels, circumventing the structural limitations of conventional freeze-drying. The synergistic interaction between MXene and cellulose nanofiber endows the aerogel matrix with exceptional mechanical strength, enabling high-density vacuum impregnation of ethylene vinyl acetate/paraffin wax without compromising electromagnetic interference shielding performance (~51.9 dB, 2 mm). Owing to the high phase-change medium loading supported by the robust architecture, the composites deliver remarkable thermal energy storage capacity, with specific enthalpy values reaching ~170 J g −1 . In addition, the materials exhibit outstanding thermal reliability and flexibility under repeated cycling. This work introduces a promising strategy for integrating efficient thermal regulation and strong electromagnetic interference shielding into a unified platform, paving the way for passive thermal management, waste heat utilization, and electromagnetic compatibility in sophisticated, miniaturized electronic systems.