Electromagnetic Wave Absorbing, Thermal-Conductive Flexible Membrane with Shape-Modulated FeCo Nanobelts

Electromagnetic wave (EMW)-absorbing materials, manufactured with composites of magnetic particles, are essential for maintaining a high complex permeability and modulated permittivity for impedance matching. However, commonly available EMW-absorbing materials are unsatisfactory owing to their low complex permeability in the high-frequency band. Herein, we report a thin, flexible EMW-absorbing membrane comprising shape-modulated FeCo nanobelts/boron nitride nanoparticles, which enables enhanced complex permeability in the S, C, and X bands (2-12 GHz). The boron nitride nanoparticles that are introduced to the FeCo nanobelts demonstrate control of the complex permittivity, leading to an effective impedance matching close to 1, consequently resulting in a high reflection loss value of -42.2 dB at 12.0 GHz with only 1.6 mm thickness. In addition, the incorporation of boron nitride nanoparticles improves the thermal conductivity for the heat dissipation of the absorbed electromagnetic wave energy. Overall, the comprehensive study of nanomaterial preparation and shape modulation technologies can lead to the fabrication of an excellent EMW-absorbing flexible composite membrane.

CoFe2O4nanoparticles dispersed on carbon rods derived from cotton for high-efficiency microwave absorption

Biomass-derived carbon materials have received a surge of scientific attention to develop lightweight and broadband microwave absorbers. Herein, rodlike porous carbon materials derived from cotton have been fabricated with uniformly dispersed CoFe₂O₄nanoparticles via facile and scalable process. The combination of magnetic particles and carbonaceous material is advantageous to realize the magnetic-dielectric synergistic effect which could effectively promote the dissipation of incident waves, giving rise to an optimal reflection loss value of -48.2 dB over a qualified bandwidth (4.8 GHz) at 2.5 mm. The cotton-derived carbon rods with conductive network not only act as a supporter to carry the CoFe₂O₄nanoparticles, but also provide massive heterointerfaces to facilitate the interfacial polarization. In consideration of the renewable and abundant resource of cotton, the as-prepared CoFe₂O₄/C composites would meet the increasing demand of lightweight and highly efficient microwave absorbers.

Structural, magnetic, and gigahertz-range electromagnetic wave absorption properties of bulk Ni-Zn ferrite

Nickel-zinc ferrite (Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4) powders were prepared by the conventional solid-state route and sintered at 1100 and 1300 °C for utilization as a tile electromagnetic wave absorber. Structural, magnetic, and microwave absorption properties were investigated by characterization techniques of X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, Raman spectroscopy, electron microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, and vector network analyzer. The samples sintered at 1300 °C showed high magnetic saturation of 87 emu/g and low coercivity of 4 Oe. Electromagnetic investigations exhibit high reflection losses up to - 48.1 dB at certain high and low gigahertz frequencies, as clearly depicted in the 3D contour plot. The optimized condition between reflection loss, thickness, and bandwidth revealed a reflection loss of about - 36.1 dB at the matching thickness of 3.7 mm for the X-band. Furthermore, the effective working bandwidth at - 10 dB was up to ~ 7.1 GHz for the minimum thickness of 4.3 mm, which thoroughly covered the C-band. The microwave absorption performance of the well-sintered Ni-Zn ferrite was attributed to the incorporation of dielectric and magnetic loss mechanisms in which the magnetic part prevails.

Microwave Absorption of Crystalline Fe/MnO@C Nanocapsules Embedded in Amorphous Carbon

Crystalline Fe/MnO@C core-shell nanocapsules inlaid in porous amorphous carbon matrix (FMCA) was synthesized successfully with a novel confinement strategy. The heterogeneous Fe/MnO nanocrystals are with approximate single-domain size which gives rise to natural resonance in 2-18 GHz. The addition of MnO2 confines degree of graphitization catalyzed by iron and contributes to the formation of amorphous carbon. The heterogeneous materials composed of crystalline-amorphous structures disperse evenly and its density is significantly reduced on account of porous properties. Meanwhile, adjustable dielectric loss is achieved by interrupting Fe core aggregation and stacking graphene conductive network. The dielectric loss synergistically with magnetic loss endows the FMCA enhanced absorption. The optimal reflection loss (RL) is up to - 45 dB, and the effective bandwidth (RL < - 10 dB) is 5.0 GHz with 2.0 mm thickness. The proposed confinement strategy not only lays the foundation for designing high-performance microwave absorber, but also offers a general duty synthesis method for heterogeneous crystalline-amorphous composites with tunable composition in other fields.

Facile Design of Three-Dimensional Nitrogen-Doped Reduced Graphene Oxide/Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube Composite Foams as Lightweight and Highly Efficient Microwave Absorbers

Graphene foams with three-dimensional (3D) network structure, high porosity, and ultralow density have been regarded as lightweight microwave absorption materials. Herein, nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide/multi-walled carbon nanotube composite foams were prepared through a two-step strategy of hydrothermal self-assembly and subsequent high-temperature calcination. Morphology analysis indicated that the 3D networks were composed of overlapped flaky reduced graphene oxide. In addition, the influences of nitrogen doping, calcination temperature, and filler ratios on microwave absorption of composite foams were explored. Results manifested that the microwave absorption of composite foams was remarkably improved with the calcination temperature increased. Dramatically, it was noteworthy that the composite foam obtained under 600 °C calcination (bulk density of ∼10.8 mg/cm³) with an 8 wt % mass filler ratio presented the strongest microwave absorption of -69.6 dB at 12.5 GHz and broadest absorption bandwidth achieved 4.3 GHz (13.2-17.5 GHz) at an extremely low matching thickness equal to 1.5 mm. Moreover, the microwave absorption performance could be conveniently adjusted through modifying the thicknesses, filler ratios, and calcination temperature. The excellent microwave absorption performance of as-prepared composite foams was greatly derived from a well-constructed 3D network structure, significant nitrogen doping, enhanced polarization relaxation, and improved conduction loss. This work proposed a new strategy for fabricating graphene-based composites with a 3D network structure as high-efficiency microwave absorbers.

Facile Synthesis of Sandwich-Like rGO/CuS/Polypyrrole Nanoarchitectures for Efficient Electromagnetic Absorption

Currently, electromagnetic pollution management has gained much attention due to the various harmful effects on wildlife and human beings. Electromagnetic absorbers can convert energy from electromagnetic waves into thermal energy. Previous reports have demonstrated that reduced graphene oxide (rGO) makes progress in the electromagnetic absorption (EA) field. But the high value of permittivity of rGO always mismatches the impedance which results in more electromagnetic wave reflection on the surface. In this work, sandwich-like rGO/CuS/polypyrrole (PPy) nanoarchitectures have been synthesized by a facile two-step method. The experimental result has shown that a paraffin composite containing 10 wt.% of rGO/CuS/PPy could achieve an enhanced EA performance both in bandwidth and intensity. The minimum reflection loss (RL) value of −49.11 dB can be reached. Furthermore, the effective bandwidth can cover 4.88 GHz. The result shows that the as-prepared rGO/CuS/PPy nanoarchitectures will be a promising EA material.

Nitrogen-doped graphene layer-encapsulated NiFe bimetallic nanoparticles synthesized by an arc discharge method for a highly efficient microwave absorber

NiFe@NC nanocomposites exhibit excellent microwave absorption benefiting from their core@shell structures and synergistic effects of dielectric/magnetic losses.

Trimetallic FeCoNi@C Nanocomposite Hollow Spheres Derived from Metal-Organic Frameworks with Superior Electromagnetic Wave Absorption Ability

Organic ligands and metal ions in the metal-organic frameworks (MOFs, a type of porous magnetic metal/carbon nanocomposites obtained through high-temperature carbonization) have caused widespread concerns in the field of microwave absorption because of the existence of various microwave loss mechanisms in these materials. However, MOF-driven microwave absorbing materials with high absorption intensity and wide absorption band still require further research and development. In this work, hollow sphere trimetallic FeCoNi@C microwave absorbing materials via high-temperature carbonization were obtained using FeCoNi-based MOF-74 (FeCoNi-MOF) as the precursor. The effects of different carbonization conditions on the microwave absorption properties of the materials were studied. FeCoNi-MOF-74 annealed at 700 °C showed superior microwave absorption capacity, where the RL value reached -64.75 dB at 15.44 GHz corresponding to the actual application thickness of the absorber (only 2.1 mm), and the minimum RL values reached -69.03 dB at 5.52 GHz. Furthermore, the as-prepared sample can fully cover the Ku band and X band at only 2.1 and 3.1 mm, respectively. The maximum EAB reached 8.08 GHz (9.92-18 GHz) when the thickness of the absorber was 2.47 mm. Such remarkable absorption performance is attributed to the synergetic effects between the multiple loss mechanisms of the FeCoNi@C, and the improved impedance matching characteristic came from the hollow sphere morphology.

Distinct plasmon resonance enhanced microwave absorption of strawberry-like Co/C/Fe/C core–shell hierarchical flowers via engineering the diameter and interparticle spacing of Fe/C nanoparticles

Strawberry-like Co/C/Fe/C core–shell hierarchical flowers (CSHFs) consisting of separated Fe/C nanoparticles (NPs) anchoring on a Co HF surface were prepared by decomposing Fe(CO)₅ in the presence of Co HFs. Changing the decomposition temperature (T_d) and Fe(CO)₅ volume (δ) could also facilely modulate the phase structure, surface morphology and composition of the products. The low T_d and small δ helped form Co/C/Fe/C CSHFs with a strawberry-like plasmon surface. The diameter and interparticle spacing-dependent electromagnetic properties were investigated at 2–18 GHz. The interparticle-spacing-to-diameter ratio determines the plasmon resonance and coupling. The permittivity and permeability enhanced by strong plasmon resonance were exhibited by Co/C/Fe/C CSHFs formed at δ = 3–4 mL with the interparticle-spacing-to-diameter ratio of 1.36–0.76. The collective oscillation of the conduction band electrons and near field on the Co/C and Fe/C surfaces generated a surface plasmon resonance and coupling, which were responsible for significantly enhanced permittivity and permeability with negative values. In view of the synergistic effect of the enhanced permittivity and permeability, dual dielectric relaxations, dual magnetic resonances, high attenuation and good impedance matching, Co/C/Fe/C CSHFs with particle size of 110 ± 20–380 ± 100 nm and interparticle spacing of 150 ± 50 nm were excellent absorbers that feature strong absorption, broad bandwidth and light weight. An optimal reflection loss (R_L) of −45.06 was found at 17.92 GHz for an absorber thickness of 1.6 mm, and the frequency range (R_L ≤ −20 dB, 99% absorption) was over 2–18 GHz. Our findings demonstrated that optimally designed plasmonic heterostructures must be fabricated to improve microwave absorption performances for future applications.

Plasmon resonance enhanced permittivity, permeability, and microwave absorption were found in Fe/C nanoparticles anchoring on Co/C hierarchical flowers synthesized through a carefully devised kinetically tuned procedure.

Enhancing absorption dominated microwave shielding in Co@C–PVDF nanocomposites through improved magnetization and graphitization of the Co@C-nanoparticles

An improved graphitic layer and magnetization of graphitic carbon coated Co-nanoparticles enhance absorption dominated microwave shielding in Co@C–PVDF nanocomposites.

Performance enhanced electromagnetic wave absorber from controllable modification of natural plant fiber

Short, surface rough carbon rods, which were derived from natural sisal fiber and went through two different modifications, with excellent electromagnetic wave absorption performance, were studied in this work for the first time. The structure–property relationship was clearly established here. It was shown that these green, cheap and easily obtained carbon rods with mass preparation possibility presented eye-catching absorbing behaviors towards electromagnetic wave. Based on the natural structure of sisal fiber, the minimum reflection loss of KOH activated product reached −51.1 dB and the maximum effective absorbing bandwidth achieved 7.88 GHz. The magnetically modified sample presented −48.6 dB of minimum reflection loss and 4.32 GHz of optimal absorbing bandwidth. Its pioneering application in this field not only opens a new road for this traditional textile sisal fiber but also would possibly make a referable contribution to the design and synthesis of superior carbonaceous electromagnetic wave absorption materials based on bioresource.

Novel carbon rods derived from plant fiber with excellent electromagnetic wave absorption performance have been facilely accomplished via two different modifications.

Direct Growth of a Polypyrrole Aerogel on Hollow CuS Hierarchical Microspheres Yields Particles with Excellent Electromagnetic Wave Properties

A current hot topic in polymer science is the development of electromagnetic wave-absorbing materials with desired properties (i.e., proper impedance matching and strong attenuation capability), but it presents a considerable challenge. In this work, solvothermal, and self-assembled polymerization were employed for the controlled fabrication of a uniform polypyrrole (PPy) aerogel coated on hollow CuS hierarchical microspheres (CuS@PPy). The PPy coating thickness of the heterostructure could be tuned by varying the feeding weight ratios of CuS/pyrrole monomer. The electromagnetic wave absorption properties of the CuS@PPy composites were estimated to be in the frequency range 2–18 GHz. The as-prepared Sample B (fabricated by the addition of 35 mg CuS) showed a maximum reflection loss (RL) of −52.85 dB at a thickness of 2.5 mm. Moreover, an ultra-wide effective bandwidth (RL ≤ −10 dB) from 9.78 to 17.80 GHz (8.02 GHz) was achieved. Analysis of the electromagnetic properties demonstrated that the CuS@PPy had a remarkable enhancement compared to pure CuS platelet-based spheres and pure PPy, which can be attributed to the increased relatively complex permittivity and the promoted dielectric loss by the intense interfacial dielectric polarizations. We believe that the as-fabricated CuS@PPy can be a good reference for the fabrication of lightweight and optimal broadband absorbers.

Optimizing the Electromagnetic Wave Absorption Performances of Designed Co3Fe7@C Yolk-Shell Structures

Due to the increasing demand for military and commercial applications, magnetic metal-based core@shell nanostructures have attracted extensive attention in the field of electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption materials. To further improve the overall performance, herein, an effective strategy is designed to fabricate Co₃Fe₇@C yolk-shell structures by using (Co_0.9Fe_0.1)Fe₂O₄@phenolic resin core@shell structures as precursors. The structure parameters, including the size of the CoFe alloy cores, the thickness of the carbon shell, and the void between the core and the shell, can be tailored by controlling the reaction conditions. It is demonstrated that the EMW absorption properties of the as-prepared Co₃Fe₇@C yolk-shell structures are closely related to their structure parameters. The optimized Co₃Fe₇@C yolk-shell structure shows excellent EMW absorption performance, the strongest reflection loss (RL) is up to -35.3 dB at 9.1 GHz with the matching thickness of 2.0 mm, and the effective bandwidth (RL < -10 dB) can reach 8.4 GHz (9.6-18 GHz) with a thickness of only 1.5 mm. It is revealed that the excellent performances stem from the unique yolk-shell structure as well as the complementarities and synergies between the dielectric loss and the magnetic loss. By rational designing, the magnetic metal alloy@carbon yolk-shell structures will be convinced to have the potential as novel high-efficiency EMW absorption materials with lightweight, low thickness, wide absorption frequency, high stability, and strong absorption characteristics.

Decorating MOF-Derived Nanoporous Co/C in Chain-Like Polypyrrole (PPy) Aerogel: A Lightweight Material with Excellent Electromagnetic Absorption

To clear away the harmful effects of the increment of electromagnetic pollution, high performance absorbers with appropriate impedance matching and strong attenuation capacity are strongly desired. In this study, a chain-like PPy aerogel decorated with MOF-derived nanoporous Co/C (Co/C@PPy) has been successfully prepared by a self-assembled polymerization method. With a filler loading ratio of 10 wt %, the composite of Co/C@PPy could achieve a promising electromagnetic absorption performance both in intensity and bandwidth. An optimal reflection loss value of −44.76 dB is achieved, and the effective bandwidth (reflection loss lower than −10 dB) is as large as 6.56 GHz. Furthermore, a composite only loaded with 5 wt % Co/C@PPy also achieves an effective bandwidth of 5.20 GHz, which is even better than numerous reported electromagnetic absorption (EA) materials. The result reveals that the as-fabricated Co/C@PPy—with high absorption intensity, broad bandwidth, and light weight properties—can be utilized as a competitive absorber.

Facile synthesis and excellent microwave absorption properties of FeCo-C core-shell nanoparticles

FeCo-C core-shell nanoparticles (NPs) with diameters of 10-50 nm have been fabricated on a large scale by one-step metal-organic chemical vapor deposition using the mixture of cobalt acetylacetonate and iron acetylacetonate as the precursor. The Fe/Co molar ratio of the alloy nanocores and graphitization degree of C shells, and thus the magnetic and electric properties of the core-shell NPs, can be tuned by the deposition temperature ranging from 700 °C to 900 °C. Comparative tests reveal that a relatively high Fe/Co molar ratio and low graphitization degree benefit the microwave absorption (MA) performance of the core-shell NPs. The composite with 20 wt% core-shell NP obtained at 800 °C and 80 wt% paraffin exhibits an optimal reflection loss [Formula: see text] of -60.4 dB at 7.5 GHz with a thickness of 3.3 mm, and an effective absorption bandwidth (frequency range for RL ≤10 dB) of 9.2 GHz (8.8-18.0 GHz) under an absorber thickness of 2.5 mm. Our study provides a facile route for the fabrication of alloy-C core-shell nanostructures with high MA performance.

Inter-diffusion of Cu2+ ions into CuS nanocrystals confines the microwave absorption properties

The inter-diffusion of Cu²⁺ cations into CuS nanocrystals generates CuS@Cu_2−xS core–shell and Cu₂S NCs in the presence of ascorbic acid (AA) at varying precursor Cu²⁺ : Cu⁺ molar ratios. The inter-diffusion process has a confining effect on the microwave absorption properties.