A new material called MAX phases has emerged, perfectly blocking electromagnetic waves in the ultra-high frequency band with a thin film one-tenth the thickness of a human hair.
A research team led by professors Kwon Soon-yong, Choi Eun-mi, and Byeon Kang-il from the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) reported that they have succeeded for the first time in the world in synthesizing a high-purity nitrogen-substituted MAX precursor and the 2D material MXene derived from it through joint research with a team led by Professor Lee Geon-do from Seoul National University.
MXene is a two-dimensional nanomaterial made of alternating layers of metal and carbon, known for its excellent electrical conductivity and the ability to design a variety of compounds, earning its reputation as a dream material. It is especially drawing attention as a next-generation ultra-thin shielding material that prevents electromagnetic interference in the ultra-high frequency range. While existing metal shielding materials are heavy, corrode, and experience a sharp decline in performance in the high-frequency range, MXene is thin, lightweight, and shows excellent shielding performance even in the high-frequency range.
So far, most MXenes have been made from carbon. Scientists believe that if carbon is replaced with nitrogen, performance will improve. However, due to process difficulties, MXenes using nitrogen had not been realized until now, but the research team succeeded in substituting some of the carbon in the MAX precursor with nitrogen.
The MXene film developed with nitrogen-substituted MAX recorded the highest electrical conductivity (35,000 S/cm) among reported MXene materials, even though it is a thin film one-tenth the thickness of a human hair. This indicates superb shielding capabilities.
Professor Kwon Soon-yong noted, "Nitrogen-substituted MXene will be a breakthrough technology in next-generation electromagnetic shielding," adding that, "It is expected to play a role in reducing electromagnetic interference across a wide range of fields, from mobile devices to electronic systems in vehicles and aircraft, as well as next-generation communication base stations."
References
Advanced Materials(2025), DOI : https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202502443