Construction of multi-dimensional NiCo/C/CNT/rGO aerogel by MOF derivative for efficient microwave absorption

Abstract

The development of high-performance microwave absorption materials is currently imperative in order to solve the problem of electromagnetic pollution. Herein, we successfully obtained a multi-dimensional graphene-based aerogel (NiCo/C/CNT/rGO aerogel) decorated with one-dimensional carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and metal-organic framework (MOF) derivatives. The introduction of rGO aerogel significantly modifies the phase composition (NiCo/C/CNT and rGO) and hierarchical structure (1D CNT, 3D NiCo/C/CNT and rGO aerogel) of the composite, resulting in a multi-dimensional gradient, defects, heterogeneous interfaces, and superior microwave absorption properties. The optimum electromagnetic wave absorption performance of −58.8 dB is achieved at a filler loading of 20 wt%, with a thickness of 1.8 mm and an effective absorption bandwidth of 7.6 GHz, covering the entire Ku-band. The excellent electromagnetic wave absorption performance can be attributed to the synergistic effect of impedance matching, electromagnetic attenuation capability, unique multi-dimensional porous structure, abundant defects and interfaces. In summary, the present work provides a novel approach for the synthesis of multi-dimensional lightweight magnetic/dielectric microwave absorbers.