Xuefei Zhang

Bio: Xuefei Zhang is an academic researcher from Tianjin Polytechnic University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Materials science & Composite material. The author has an hindex of 6, co-authored 21 publications receiving 145 citations. Previous affiliations of Xuefei Zhang include Minjiang University.

Lightweight, flexible and superhydrophobic composite nanofiber films inspired by nacre for highly electromagnetic interference shielding

Abstract: Inspired by the hierarchical structure of nacre, this study prepared a lightweight, flexible, and superhydrophobic polyacrylonitrile (PAN)@SiO2-Ag composite nanofibrous film with high performance electromagnetic-interference shielding via electrospinning. SiO2 incorporated into PAN electro-spun films provided the adhesion site for Ag nanoparticles (AgNPS). AgNPS were then deposited onto the surface of PAN@SiO2 electrospinning nanofibers via facile wet electroless deposition, thus endowing the resulting nanofibers with a core–shell structure. After finishing with a PTDT agent, PAN@SiO2-Ag composite nanofiber films had super hydrophobic property, and their water contact angle reached 156.99°. This scenario also presented high conductivity (approximately 17,788 S/m), average shielding effectiveness (SE), specific SE (SSE), and SSE/t, achieving 82 dB, 367 dB cm3g−1 and 73,478 dB cm2g−1, respectively. This study provides an easy method to prepare bioinspired composite films with high conductive and electromagnetic shielding and high potential applications, such as in wearable and flexible sensors.

Dual-Shell Photothermoelectric Textile Based on a PPy Photothermal Layer for Solar Thermal Energy Harvesting.

Abstract: To simply and effectively enhance the conversion capability of wearable thermoelectric textiles, a two-step in situ method is adopted to fabricate dual-shell photothermoelectric textiles which is made of polypropylene fibers with a photo-thermal layer (PPy) and a thermoelectric layer (PEDOT:Tos). The PPy is tailored to achieve high temperature and photothermoelectric effects. The PPy layer can significantly increase the photothermal conversion efficiencies of as-prepared fabric. The optimized photothermoelectric fabric can improve the generated voltage output from 294.13 to 536.47 μV under the infrared light, and its power density is up to 13.76 nW·m-2. A flexible photothermoelectric strip composed of as-prepared fabric coated with Ag particles and textile substrates with low thermal conductivity shows a voltage output of 2.25, 0.677, and 0.183 mV and a power output of 0.7031, 0.0636, and 0.0049 nW under IR light, sunlight, and on the arm, respectively. The photothermoelectric fabrics display potential as to a new smart wearable device for converting light and electricity.

Integrated multifunctional macrostructures for electromagnetic wave absorption and shielding

Abstract: The proliferation of electronic equipment and wireless communication technology has resulted in great convenience while simultaneously giving rise to the issue of electromagnetic interference (EMI). The deleterious effects of EMI on both unshielded electronics and human health have driven researchers to explore highly efficient electromagnetic (EM) wave absorbing and shielding materials to suppress EM radiation. Most reported powder EM wave absorbing and shielding (EMAS) materials are required to be further mixed with matrices to produce the composite coating layers. The complicated processing procedures restrict the application of these materials. Furthermore, such layers often suffer from poor durability. However, if EMAS materials are functionally and structurally integrated into a macrostructure, these drawbacks may be overcome. More importantly, EMAS materials with macrostructures can be integrated with other functions to satisfy ever-growing application demands in harsh environments. This review article discusses the design principles of advanced EMAS materials in terms of their macrostructures and multifunctions. Representative integrated macrostructures of EMAS materials and devices are introduced in detail. The multifunctionalities of some advanced EMAS materials, such as wearable, hydrophobic, and thermal insulating characteristics, are discussed as well. In the end, the current challenges and future directions for developing multifunctional EMAS materials are discussed.

Electrospun fibrous materials and their applications for electromagnetic interference shielding: A review

Abstract: Owing to the development of electronic information technology, the pollution of electromagnetic wave (EMW) radiation is getting worse. Thus, it is urgent to investigate shielding materials with excellent electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties. Recently, electrospinning has been developed in various fields, and one-dimensional nanofibers prepared by electrospinning can realize the shielding of EMW, due to their outstanding advantages. In this review, at the beginning, the basic mechanism of electrospinning technology and related EMI shielding are introduced. Then, different fibrous materials directly from electrospinning for the EMI shielding are summarized. Next, electrospun EMI shielding composites by different post treatments are discussed. Finally, various influencing factors on the EMI shielding properties are summarized. At the end, conclusions and future perspectives are provided. Hopefully, this review would provide basic understanding on the development of electrospun fibrous materials for EMI shielding, and give the future roadmap for the high performance electrospun fiber-based EMI shields.