Janus structured magnetic MOFs-polyarylether nitrile/MXene composite films with gradient interfaces for electromagnetic interference shielding and thermal management

A Janus magnetic MOFs/PEN-MXene film with stepwise impedance matching was fabricated. • The composite achieves an EMI SE of 45.5 dB via synergistic magnetic/dielectric loss. • The film enables rapid electro/photo-thermal response, reaching 121.8 °C (6 V) and 114.2 °C (250 mW/cm 2 ). • Strong interfacial interactions ensure high mechanical strength (77.8 MPa) and thermal stability (508 °C). To address the challenge of integrating high shielding effectiveness, efficient thermal management, and environmental stability in advanced materials for low-altitude aerial vehicles, a novel Janus structured composite film is constructed by integrating magnetic metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and MXene into a high-performance Poly(arylene ether nitrile) (PEN) matrix via polar coordination and molecular chain bridging. The asymmetric Janus architecture establishes a stepwise impedance gradient, while synergistic magnetic loss from the MOFs together with ohmic dissipation and interfacial polarization from the conductive MXene ensures efficient electromagnetic attenuation. The continuous MXene network further provides surface electrons for thermal management, enabling active response under low-temperature environments. Benefiting from the synergistic effects of the components and the Janus design, the Co-MOF@Fe 3 O 4 -PEN/MXene (CoFeP/M) film demonstrates excellent EMI shielding effectiveness of 45.5 dB in the X-band, accompanied by fast-response thermal management. Under 6 V and 250 mW/cm 2 light power density, the surface temperature reaches 121.8 °C and 114.2 °C, respectively. Simultaneously, strong interfacial interaction between PEN and Co-MOF@Fe 3 O 4 promote mechanical stability, ensuring structural integrity and thermal stability (77.8 MPa and 508 °C). This work introduces a novel strategy for designing multifunctional Janus composites with gradient interfaces and strong synergistic effects, advancing next-generation materials for low-altitude aerial vehicles. Download: Download high-res image (135KB) Download: Download full-size image