γ-Radiation-induced in-situ formation of TiC/MXene nanocomposites for superior electromagnetic wave absorption

The layered structure of two-dimensional transition metal carbides/nitrides (MXenes) is potentially conducive to efficient electromagnetic wave absorption (EWA). However, Ti₃C₂T_x MXene typically encounters challenges with a narrow effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) due to impedance mismatch caused by its inherent high conductivity. This study employed γ-radiation to induce the in-situ formation of TiC/MXene nanocomposites for EWA. The radiation preparation process is carried out under reducing conditions at ambient temperature and pressure, effectively minimizing the risk of MXene oxidation while preserving its original layered structure. The resultant intercalated structure, featuring in-situ formed TiC nanoparticles embedded within the Ti₃C₂T_x MXene layers, facilitates the integration of layered conductive networks with abundant spatial gaps and multiple heterojunction interfaces. Leveraging these structural and chemical advantages, the composite demonstrates enhanced EWA capabilities. At a 50 wt% irradiated MXene loading, the material achieves an EAB of 6.08 GHz at 1.55 mm thickness and a minimum reflection loss (RL_min) of −51.1 dB at 3.95 mm. Compared to conventional composite fabrication methods, γ-radiation offers a more environmentally sustainable, efficient, and scalable approach. This research opens up a new avenue for exploiting the MXene family in EWA applications.