Electroless plating silver nanoparticles mixed in oxidized microcrystalline cellulose for microwave absorption applications

Abstract

In this work, we introduce a simple, efficient and low-cost process, where silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are mixed in TEMPO-oxidized microcrystalline cellulose (TOMCC) by electroless plating successfully obtain a lightweight, green microwave absorber (TOMCC/AgNPs). We characterize and analyze the physicochemical properties and surface morphology of TOMCC/AgNPs using SEM, EDS, UV–Vis, XRD, XPS, BET, Raman spectroscopy and, thermal behavior, while analyzing the electromagnetic absorption of fabricated TOMCC/AgNPs through a vector network. Our results show that the optimal reflection loss value is − 51 dB at 4.7 GHz, with a corresponding effective absorption bandwidth of 4 GHz, and the thickness of the absorber is 2 mm, containing 50% TOMCC/AgNPs. Even at 400 ℃, the absorber can still maintain efficient microwave absorption performance. As a green, lightweight, and efficient microwave absorber, the prepared TOMCC/AgNPs have considerable application prospects in the field of microwave absorption, such as stealth technology.