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Sustainable electromagnetic interference shielding materials from cellulose-grafted n-type polymers

Author

Listed:
  • Siyao Cheng

    (Nanjing University of Science and Technology
    Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Zelin Chen

    (Nanjing University of Science and Technology)

  • Daohu Sheng

    (Nanjing University of Science and Technology)

  • Wei Dong

    (Nanjing University of Science and Technology)

  • Rong Cao

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Zebin Su

    (The University of Tokyo)

  • Mengde Wu

    (Nanjing University of Science and Technology)

  • Xufei Zhu

    (Nanjing University of Science and Technology)

  • Aming Xie

    (Nanjing University of Science and Technology)

  • Soumya Mukherjee

    (University of Limerick)

  • Weijin Li

    (Nanjing University of Science and Technology)

Abstract

Electronic waste (e-waste) from ever-shorter device lifecycles is fueling a search for sustainable alternatives to conventional electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials, which are typically non-degradable and hard to recycle. Addressing this challenge, here we present a durable, high-performance EMI shielding film that is both recyclable and biodegradable. Thanks to a simple fabrication process, our introduced composite blends renewable cellulose nanofibers, a conductive n-type polymer, and a small ionic liquid additive into a robust film. This all-organic film achieves tunable shielding effectiveness between 29.77 to 83.77 dB, comparable to traditional metal or carbon-based shields. The film demonstrates good recyclability, retaining 97.72% of its initial EMI shielding performance after ten reprocessing cycles. Furthermore, it undergoes complete biodegradation in soil at the end of its lifecycle, leaving no persistent waste, thereby offering a sustainable solution for EMI shielding applications. Combining strong EMI shielding with end-of-life degradability and reusability, this work offers a sustainable pathway to electronics that reduce e-waste and promote a circular economy.

Suggested Citation

  • Siyao Cheng & Zelin Chen & Daohu Sheng & Wei Dong & Rong Cao & Zebin Su & Mengde Wu & Xufei Zhu & Aming Xie & Soumya Mukherjee & Weijin Li, 2025. "Sustainable electromagnetic interference shielding materials from cellulose-grafted n-type polymers," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-63665-y
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63665-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Xiaochao Shi & Zengbin Wang & Siyuan Liu & Qinqin Xia & Yongzhuang Liu & Wenshuai Chen & Haipeng Yu & Kai Zhang, 2024. "Scalable production of carboxylated cellulose nanofibres using a green and recyclable solvent," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 7(3), pages 315-325, March.
    2. Qinqin Xia & Chaoji Chen & Yonggang Yao & Jianguo Li & Shuaiming He & Yubing Zhou & Teng Li & Xuejun Pan & Yuan Yao & Liangbing Hu, 2021. "Author Correction: A strong, biodegradable and recyclable lignocellulosic bioplastic," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 4(9), pages 830-830, September.
    3. Qinqin Xia & Chaoji Chen & Yonggang Yao & Jianguo Li & Shuaiming He & Yubing Zhou & Teng Li & Xuejun Pan & Yuan Yao & Liangbing Hu, 2021. "A strong, biodegradable and recyclable lignocellulosic bioplastic," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 4(7), pages 627-635, July.
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