Nanostructured composite layers for electromagnetic shielding in the GHz frequency range

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Paint-like nanocomposite layers consisting of graphene nanoplatelets, PANI:HCl and PEDOT:PSS present very effective attenuation of electromagnetic radiation in the frequency range 4–20 GHz. • The shielding performance is based mostly on the graphene nanoplatelets and supported by PANI:HCl. In contrast, PEDOT:PSS plays mainly the role of the binder. • Increasing resistivity was observed to reduce the shielding effect, while increasing thickness to favor it. - Abstract: We report on preliminary results regarding the applicability of nanostructured composite layers for electromagnetic shielding in the frequency range of 4–20 GHz. Various combinations of materials were employed including poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), polyaniline, graphene nanoplatelets, carbon nanotubes, Cu nanoparticles and Poly(vinyl alcohol). As shown, paint-like nanocomposite layers consisting of graphene nanoplatelets, polyaniline PEDOT:PSS and Poly(vinyl alcohol) can offer quite effective electromagnetic shielding, similar or even better than that of commercial products, the response strongly depending on their thickness and resistivity.