Toward Architected Nanocomposites: MXenes and Beyond

Achieving excellent electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding combined with mechanical flexibility, optical transparency, and environmental stability is vital for the future of coatings, electrostatic discharge, electronic displays, and wearable and portable electronic devices. Unfortunately, it is challenging to engineer materials with all of these desired properties due to a lack of understanding of the underlying materials physics and structure-property relationships. Nature has provided numerous examples of a combination of properties through precision engineering of hierarchical structures at multiple length scales with selectively chosen ingredients. This inspiration is reflected in a wide range of synthetic architected nanocomposites. In this Perspective, we provide a brief overview of recent advances in the role of hierarchical architectures in MXene-based thin-film nanocomposites in the quest to achieve multiple functionalities, especially focusing on a combination of excellent EMI shielding, transparency, and mechanical robustness. We also discuss key opportunities, challenges, and prospects.