Heterogeneous interface engineering of SiBCN/Ni fibers extends enhanced electromagnetic wave absorption properties

Abstract

Faced with severe electromagnetic wave (EMW) pollution, the development of high-performance EMW absorbers remains a formidable challenge. In this study, SiBCN/Ni fibers containing uniformly dispersed Ni2Si nanoparticles were synthesized by electrospinning method with polymer-derived ceramics method, and their electromagnetic properties were evaluated. The low permeability threshold of the fibers ensures sufficient conduction loss effect. The in situ grown Ni2Si nanoparticles provide a magnetically coupled network, which is more conducive to obtaining excellent impedance matching. Furthermore, the presence of β-SiC, SiO2, and Si2N2O generates numerous heterogeneous interfaces (e.g., C-SiC and C-Ni2Si), leading to enhanced interfacial polarization through the accumulation of charges. As a result, the prepared SiBCN/Ni fibers exhibit impressive EMW absorption properties. At a Ni content of 1wt.%, the effective absorption band (EAB) is 4.32GHz (13.68-18GHz). At a Ni content of 1.5wt.%, the minimum reflection loss (RLmin) is -52.98dB, and the sample has excellent radar scattering capabilities, which is verified by CST Microwave Studio simulations. Therefore, SiBCN/Ni fibers are promising as excellent EMW absorbing materials in practical applications.