MXene interaction with electromagnetic radiation in the microwave range

The rapid development of the Internet of Things (IoT) and new generations of telecommunication networks bring forward a demand for thin, lightweight shielding materials and microwave circuit components. An exponentially increasing number of devices requires efficient electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. Current shielding materials are metals that are highly reflective, and electromagnetic absorbers are heavy and narrowband. Metamaterials are viable alternatives; however, laborious microfabrication is required. Increased interest in flexible electronics poses a great challenge for current Metallic conductors. Despite their benchmark performance present significant manufacturing challenges when it comes to flexible electronics. MXenes, two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides, are a large family of 2D materials that are promising for use in EMI shielding, antennas, transmission lines, waveguides, etc., owing to their high electrical conductivity. This, coupled with the variety of chemistries and structures available to MXenes, gives rise to unprecedented tunability of their properties, creates the possibility to adjust MXenes for specific applications, and provides a roadmap to achieving their stable performance. However, the underlying mechanisms of their interactions with electromagnetic waves are currently unknown. There is an additional gap in methods that can be applied to accurately measure the electromagnetic properties of MXene. This thesis focuses on elucidating the mechanism of MXene interaction with electromagnetic radiation and demonstrating MXene-based devices with performance rivaling metals. We will demonstrate the EMI shielding performance of various MXene compositions and the dependence on deposition methods and thickness. Further investigation of ultrathin nanometer-thick films demonstrates the ability to absorb up to 50% of incoming power up to the THz frequency range. Investigation of the variation of the film's morphology allows us to elucidate the performance of MXene from DC up to the THz range. These findings allow us to demonstrate highly effective and flexible MXene antennas and transmission lines, lightweight waveguides, and broadband absorbers.