High-performance Electromagnetic Wave Absorption Research Articles

Design of a yolk-shell ternary metal sulfide with a tunable structure for high-performance electromagnetic wave absorption.

Herein, we report a strategy for preparing a novel ternary metal sulfide (TMS) with a yolk-shell structure based on a "penetration-solidification-annealing" method. A series of FeCoNiSxGy with tunable structure, different morphology and composition was synthesized by adjusting the degree of sulfuration. Due to the synergistical manipulation of rich interface, defects, vacancies and electrical conductivity, as well as the unique yolk-shell structure, the appropriate sulfuration strategy achieved excellent impedance-matching and strong dielectric loss. The as-synthesized FeCoNiSxGy sulfides were blended with paraffin wax (under a filler loading of 30 wt%), which had the minimum reflection loss of -49.44 dB (2.20 mm) and the effective absorption bandwidth of 4.76 GHz (1.6 mm). In conclusion, this work could aid the design and regulation of a new type of ternary metal sulfides with high-performance electromagnetic wave absorption.

Sulfidation and reassembly strategy enables yolk-shell metal sulfide/alloy nanoparticles @carbon with efficient electromagnetic wave absorption

Constructing hybrid metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) demonstrates significant potential to improve electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption performance by leveraging synergistic effects between composition and structure, addressing challenges in tuning electromagnetic parameters of single-composition MOFs. This study proposes a sophisticated strategy involving sulfidation-interface growth-reassembly: sulfide nanoparticles form by sulfidating the core (CoFe-MIL-88A), and then ZIF-67 guests grow and reassemble on the sulfided host MOF, resulting in a layered EMW absorption material. The composite material integrates synergistic effects, which include high conductive loss and defect/interface/dipole polarization induced by N and S atom doping. The CFSNC composite material outperforms previously published values, achieving a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of −65.96 dB and an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 6.15 GHz with a thickness of merely 2 mm. Simulation calculations of the real far-field radar cross-section (RCS) further validate its practical application potential. This work introduces novel ideas and methods for designing and preparing high-performance EMW absorption materials, offering both theoretical insights and practical applications.

Confined Magnetic Nickel Nanoparticles in Carbon Microspheres with High-Performance Electromagnetic Wave Absorption in Ku-Band

Composition and structure regulation is the primary strategy in preparing high-performance electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption materials. Herein, magnetic-dielectric synergy Ni@C microspheres were fabricated to obtain the high-performance electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption performance. Firstly, the Ni-containing precursor microspheres were obtained via the spray-drying technology. Secondly, reduced magnetic Ni nanoparticles (NPs) were confined in the N-doped carbon microspheres after pyrolysis treatment in the H2/Ar atmosphere. Duo to the existence of melamine, the distribution of Ni NPs and related EM parameters of Ni@C microspheres were efficiently regulated to seek the well impedance matching and EM responded ability. As results, as-synthesized Ni@C microspheres exhibited the minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of -48.2 dB and effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 5.7 GHz, covering almost Ku-band. This research represents a significant advancement in the development of magnetic-dielectric composite microspheres with superior absorption capacity, and it also provides a large-scale preparation strategy for electromagnetic wave absorbing materials.

Ultralight and rigid PBO nanofiber aerogel with superior electromagnetic wave absorption properties

Polymer-based aerogels are emerging as promising candidates for lightweight and high performance electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption materials. In this study, an ultralight and rigid poly(p-phenylene benzobisoxazole) nanofiber (PNF) based composite aerogel with excellent EM wave absorption performance was fabricated with cobalt-nickel alloy (CoNi) nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as magnetic and conductive fillers, respectively. A CNT/PNF composite aerogel was first prepared through a sol-gel and freeze-drying method, and then CoNi nanoparticles were introduced therein through hydrothermal reaction and thermal annealing to obtain the CoNi/CNT/PNF aerogel. CNTs and PNFs were interwoven and constructed a three-dimensional conductive/magnetic cage-like skeleton structure decorating with magnetic CoNi nanoparticles. The cage-like skeleton structure allowed the dissipation of EM waves through multiple mechanisms encompassing conduction loss, magnetic loss, multiple reflection, scattering, and absorption. When its thickness was 4 mm, the CoNi/CNT/PNF aerogel showed a minimal reflection loss of −44.7 dB (at 6.88 GHz), and its broad effective absorption bandwidth covered the entire X-band and Ku-band and most of the C-band (12.32 GHz, from 5.68 GHz to 18 GHz). In addition, the rigid aerogel exhibited an ultralow density (0.107 g/cm3), excellent thermal insulation, and flame retardancy, demonstrating its potential application as a high-performance EM wave absorption material in the fields of aerospace and national defense.

NiCoZn/C@melamine sponge-derived carbon composites with high-performance electromagnetic wave absorption

NiCoZn/C@melamine sponge-derived carbon composites with high-performance electromagnetic wave absorption

Construction of enhanced multi-polarization and high performance electromagnetic wave absorption by self-growing ZnFe2O4 on Cu9S5

Construction of enhanced multi-polarization and high performance electromagnetic wave absorption by self-growing ZnFe2O4 on Cu9S5

High-performance electromagnetic wave absorption in VS2@multi-walled carbon nanotube composites

In this work, composites comprising VS2 and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were prepared using a simple hydrothermal method. The MWCNTs were dispersed among the VS2 nanosheets, which produced dipole polarization and interfacial polarization, thus enhancing the dielectric loss. Meanwhile, the electrical conductivity of the composites gradually increased with the rising content of the MWCNTs, which improved the electromagnetic wave absorption performance. By adjusting the mass ratio of VS2 to MWCNTs to 5:1, a minimum reflection loss value (RL) of −24.7 dB was achieved with a thickness of only 1.3 mm at a frequency of 14.4 GHz. Besides, when the thickness was reduced to 1.2 mm, the effective absorption bandwidth extended to 3.75 GHz. The results suggest that impedance matching and the synergistic effect of multiple loss mechanisms contribute to the excellent electromagnetic wave absorption performance of the materials. Consequently, the VS2/MWCNTs composites exhibit simple synthesis, wide absorption bandwidth, thin thickness, and high absorption capacity, rendering them a promising material for practical microwave absorption applications.

Low-frequency and broadband electromagnetic wave absorption mechanism of (Hf0.2Zr0.2Ti0.2Ce0.2La0.2)C1-δ/PyC microspheres with hierarchy pores from 4 GHz to 17 GHz

Achieving low-frequency broadband electromagnetic wave absorption in extreme environments over 2000 °C is challenging. Biomimetic hierarchy materials of high entropy lanthanide carbides were designed to optimize electromagnetic wave absorption. Composite microspheres of (Hf0.2Zr0.2Ti0.2Ce0.2La0.2)C1-δ and SiC embedded in pyrolytic carbon (MC/PyC) were prepared by using the electro-spray method followed by heat treatment. The specimens of MC/PyC microspheres with a thickness of 2.5 mm exhibited a minimum reflection loss value of − 48.9 dB, and electromagnetic wave absorption from 4.0 GHz to 17 GHz. The enhanced absorption capability is attributed to the synergistic effect of dielectric losses from conduction and polarization, along with magnetic losses due to eddy currents and natural resonance of the high-entropy carbides within the multiscale pores. The composition and featured microstructure MC/PyC microspheres were noteworthily stable under the 2200 °C oxyacetylene ablation, ensuring consistent high-performance electromagnetic wave absorption even in harsh conditions.

Fe3O4 Nanoparticles Embedded into Pyridinic-N-Rich Carbon Nanohoneycomb with Strong dx2-Pz Orbital Hybridization for High-Performance Electromagnetic Wave Absorption.

Carbon-based magnetic nanocomposites as promising lightweight electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbents are expected to address critical issues caused by electromagnetic pollution. Herein, Fe3O4 nanoparticles embedded into a 3D N-rich porous carbon nanohoneycomb (Fe3O4@NC) were developed via the pyrolysis of an in-situ-polymerized compound of m-phenylenediamine initiated by FeCl2 in the presence of NaCl crystals as templates. Results demonstrate that Fe3O4@NC features highly dispersed Fe3O4 nanoparticles into an ultrahigh specific pyridinic-N doping carbon matrix, resulting in excellent impedance matching characteristics and electromagnetic wave absorbing capability with the biggest effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of up to 7.1 GHz and the minimum reflective loss (RLmin) of up to -65.5 dB in the thin thickness of 2.5 and 2.3 mm, respectively, which also outperforms the majority of carbon-based absorbers reported. Meanwhile, its high absorption performance is further demonstrated by an ethylene propylene diene monomer wave absorbing patch filled with 8.0 wt % Fe3O4@NC, which can completely shield a 5G signal in a mobile phone. In addition, theory calculation reveals that there is a strongest dx2-Pz orbital hybridization interaction between Fe3O4 clusters and pyridinic-N dopants in the carbon network, compared with other kinds of N dopants, which can not only generate more dipoles of carbon networks but also increase net magnetic moments of Fe3O4, thereby leading to a coupling effect of efficient dielectric and magnetic losses. This work provides new insights into the precise design and synthesis of carbon-based magnetic composites with specific interface interactions and morphological effects for high-efficiency EMW absorption materials.

Hierarchical porous SiCnws/SiC composites with one-dimensional oriented assemblies for high-temperature broadband wave absorption

The research on high-performance electromagnetic wave absorption materials with high-temperature and oxidative stability in extreme environments is gaining popularity. Herein, the lightweight silicon carbide nanowires (SiCnws)/SiC composites are fabricated with in-situ SiC interface on one-dimensional oriented SiCnws skeleton, which collaborative configuration by 3D printing and freeze casting assembly. The constructed porous structure optimizes the impedance matching degree and scattering intensity, the maximum effective absorption bandwidth (EABmax) of 5.9 GHz and the minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of −41.4 dB can be realized. Considering the inherent oxidation resistance of SiC, the composites present well-maintained absorption performance at 600 °C. Even at 1100 °C, the EABmax of 4.9 GHz and RLmin of −30.4 dB also demonstrate the high-temperature absorption stability of the composites, indicating exceptional wave absorption properties and thermal stability. The slight attenuation can be attributed to the decrease in impedance matching capability accompanying the elevated dielectric constant. This work clarifies the impact of structure and component synergy on wave absorption behavior, and offers a novel approach to producing high-performance and high-temperature resistance ceramic-based electromagnetic wave absorption materials suitable for extreme environments.

Green-prepared high-performance electromagnetic wave absorption Ni6W6C/Co2O3@C composites and related broadband absorption device

In recent years, the synthesis of absorbing materials using green and environmentally friendly natural raw materials have become a research topic, but green and environmentally friendly materials with both high performance and simple synthesis steps still need to be developed. In this work, glucose and metal organic framework (MOF) were used to prepare composite materials with strong absorbing ability and low cost. We chose glucose, which is convenient to purchase on the market, as the raw material and constructed MOF derivatives with carbon shell skeleton nanostructures through a simple method of hydrothermal and annealing. Compared to the raw materials of traditional absorbing materials, glucose has environmentally friendly, low-cost and green characteristics. We characterized the microstructure and morphology of the material. In addition, we also analyzed the material composition and absorption mechanism of Ni6W6C/Co2O3@C. We have found from the theoretical analysis and simulation results of transmission lines that the minimum reflection loss (RLmin) value of Ni6W6C/Co2O3@C material at 5.43 GHz and 4.76 mm is −56.68 dB. And the effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) at 2.04 mm can reach 7.12 GHz. We load the best sample to the honeycomb structure, a broadband microwave absorber was designed for simulation. The results show that the broadband microwave absorber can achieve an average electromagnetic wave (EMW) loss of more than 99 % in the 0.3–16.04 GHz frequency band (RL value is less than −20 dB), and an average EMW loss of more than 90 % in the 16.04–18 GHz frequency band (RL value less than −10 dB). The composite structure of glucose and MOF derivatives enhances the dielectric loss of the material and enriches various EMW loss mechanisms. Finally, a green, environmental-friendly, high-performance absorbing material with a simple synthesis method is prepared. These results provide insights into the research on EMW absorption of composite materials and new methods for referring.

A lightweight and efficient hollow sunken carbon@MnO2/reduced graphene oxide composite for high-performance electromagnetic wave absorption

To address the environmental and health issues stemming from electromagnetic pollution, it is crucial to investigate high-performance and practical materials for absorbing electromagnetic waves. Herein, the ternary lightweight SC@MnO2/RGO (SCMR) composites are synthesized by using a special kind of hollow sunken carbon nanoparticles (SC) as a substrate and combining MnO2 nanosheets with 2D reduced graphene oxide (RGO). The investigation results show that the minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of SCMR3 can reach −60.95 dB with a matched thickness of 1.47 mm and a frequency of 13.12 GHz, and the effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) is 4.08 GHz (13.76–17.84 GHz) at the thickness of 1.23 mm. Its excellent performance comes from high dielectric loss capability, multiple reflections, interfacial polarization, and defective polarization relaxation brought by the structure of the composite, which can effectively enable electromagnetic wave absorption and facilitates energy conversion. Furthermore, simulation-based assessment under far-field conditions elucidates the radar stealth effect, demonstrating that the maximum radar cross-section (RCS) attenuation value of SCMR3-coated perfect electrical conductor (PEC) at Phi = 0° and θ = 0° can attain 32.13 dB m2. Ultimately, this study presents a viable design methodology for developing lightweight, efficient, and application-oriented carbon-based electromagnetic wave absorption materials.

Flower-like Cu9S5 and magnetic NiCo@C particles synergize to build three-dimensional conductive networks for efficient electromagnetic wave absorption

To increase the use of sulfides in electromagnetic wave absorption, researchers are continuously developing thin semiconductor sulfide absorbers with significant absorption capacity and wide bandwidth. In this study, we synthesized NiCo@C/Cu9S5 materials with the dual loss mechanism (dielectric and magnetic losses) by evenly loading magnetic NiCo@C particles on flower-like Cu9S5 matrixes utilizing the magnetic derivatization technique for metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). The three-dimensional flower-like structures of the composites, intrinsic properties of the materials, and the resulting three-dimensional conductive network endow the material with multiple scattering and reflection, conduction loss, resonance, and eddy current properties. The synergistic effect of these loss pathways leads to the outstanding electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption performance of the materials. The results show that the minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of NiCo@C/Cu9S5 can reach −52.83 dB when the matching thickness is 2.09 mm. Meanwhile, the maximum effective absorption band (EAB) is 5.1 GHz (12.3–17.4 GHz) at a matching thickness of 1.69 mm. Furthermore, the radar cross section (RCS) of the absorbers has been calculated by CST Studio Suite, demonstrating the ability of the absorbent coating to lower the RCS at different angles efficiently. These discoveries provide new insights for high-performance sulfide electromagnetic wave absorbers and contribute to electromagnetic wave energy storage and conversion studies.

Plentiful heterogeneous interfaces coupling in hydrangea-like NiMn-LDH decorated MXene hybrids for enhancing electromagnetic wave absorption

Exploring high-performance electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption materials holds extraordinary potential for new-generation wireless communication and integrated electronics. Herein, a series of heterogeneous hydrangea-like NiMn-layered double hydroxide (NiMn-LDH)/MXene (denoted as NMM) hybrids were successfully synthesized by facile hydrothermal method and followed electrostatic self-assembly strategy. The EMW absorption performance of NMM hybrids could be flexibly tuned by regulating the ratios of NiMn-LDH to MXene. Benefiting from the synergy of unique structural design and various EMW attenuation mechanisms, the resultant NMM hybrids realize excellent EMW absorption performance. The NMM3 hybrid (the ratio of NiMn-LDH to MXene is 1:1) achieves an optimal reflection loss of −47.7 dB at 13.29 GHz with a thickness of 1.68 mm and a broad effective absorption bandwidth of 4.4 GHz (13.6–18.0 GHz) at a tiny thickness of 1.43 mm. Moreover, the radar cross section simulation is used to intuitively reveal the effectiveness of NMM hybrids as high-performance EMW absorption materials in actual application. This work provides an innovative perspective on the controllable design of highly efficient EMW absorption materials with remarkably practical application value.

Facile Recycling of Waste Biomass for Preparation of Hierarchical Porous Carbon with High-Performance Electromagnetic Wave Absorption.

Hierarchical-porous-structured materials have been widely used in the field of electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption, playing a critical role in minimizing EMW interference and pollution. High-quality EMW absorbers, characterized by a lower thickness, lighter weight, wider absorption band, and stronger absorption capacity, have been instrumental in reducing damage and preventing malfunctions in the automotive and aviation industries. The utilization of discarded nut shells through recycling can not only alleviate environmental problems but relieve resource constraints. Herein, a facile method for the preparation of hierarchical porous biomass carbon derived from abandoned Xanthoceras Sorbifolium Bunge Shell (XSS) biomass was developed for high-performance EMW absorption. The porous structures of XSS biochar were studied by using different levels of the K2CO3 activator and simple carbonization. The effect of K2CO3 on the EMW parameters, including the complex permittivity, complex permeability, polarization relaxation, and impedance matching, was analyzed. The best EMW absorption performance of the XSS biochar was observed at a mass ratio of activator-to-biomass of 2:1. A minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of -38.9 dB was achieved at 9.12 GHz, and a maximum effective absorption bandwidth (EABmax) of up to 3.28 GHz (14.72~18.0 GHz) could be obtained at a 1.8 mm thickness. These results demonstrated that hierarchical porous XSS carbon was prepared successfully. Simultaneously, the prepared XSS biochar was confirmed as a potential and powerfully attractive EMW-absorbing material. The proposal also provided a simple strategy for the development of a green, low-cost, and sustainable biochar as a lightweight high-performance absorbing material.

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

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 1 wt%, the effective absorption band (EAB) is 4.32 GHz (13.68–18 GHz). At a Ni content of 1.5 wt%, the minimum reflection loss (RLmin) is −52.98 dB, 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.

Rational design of SiBCN ceramics with excellent attenuation to strong electromagnetic-wave-absorbing properties at low frequency

To achieve strong electromagnetic wave absorbing properties, it is important to have good impedance matching, moderate electrical conductivity, and high polarization loss, particularly at low frequency. However, meeting these requirements for polymer-derived ceramics remains challenging. This paper proposes a simple approach to addressing this challenge by adjusting the crystallinity and defects of SiBCN ceramics. The addition of Sm as a catalyst and tailored heating temperatures were used to create SiBCN ceramics with adjustable crystallinities and defective nanograins. The controlled crystallinity provided good impedance matching, while the tailored defective nanograins offered high polarization loss. The combination of these factors results in high-performance electromagnetic wave absorption, with the SiBCN ceramics achieving a minimum reflection loss of −59.13 dB at 3.6 GHz and an effective attenuation bandwidth of 6.87 GHz with a thickness of 2.22 mm. This study provides an effective strategy for the design and fabrication of strong EMW absorbing materials.

Rational construction of ZnFe2O4 decorated hollow carbon cloth towards effective electromagnetic wave absorption

As typical magnetic materials, ferrites and their composites play dominant roles in the design of high-performance electromagnetic wave (EW) absorber. Solvent thermal method is the most popular route for synthesizing ferrites, while systematical comparison research about the influence of reaction solvents of solvent thermal process on ferrite based material's EW absorption performance has rarely been carried out. Thus in this work, we adopted cotton fabric as raw material, and synthesized two kinds of zinc ferrite decorated hollow carbon cloth (CC@ZnFe2O4) composites through solvent thermal reaction where deionized water and ethylene glycol was adopted as reaction solvents, respectively. After comprehensive and detailed comparison of the structures and performances of these two ferrite composites, the CC@ZnFe2O4 synthesized in deionized water phase possesses an ideal optimal absorption efficiency for EW, that is the minimum reflection loss (RL min) of −46 dB, while the effective absorption bandwidth of CC@ZnFe2O4 composites synthesized in ethylene glycol phase is wider (4.9 GHz). The synergistic effect of impedance matching, interface polarization, magnetic resonance, and multiple reflections co-determined the ideal EW absorption performances of these two samples. The research can not only provide new guidance for the secondary utilization of waste textiles, but also become an important reference for the preparation of ferrite based high-performance EW absorbers through solvent thermal method.

In Situ Loading of Ni3ZnC0.7 Nanoparticles with Carbon Nanotubes to 3D Melamine Sponge Derived Hollow Carbon Skeleton toward Superior Microwave Absorption and Thermal Resistance.

The simple and low-cost construction of a 3D network structure is an ideal way to prepare high-performance electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption materials. Herein, a series of carbon skeleton/carbon nanotubes/Ni3ZnC0.7 composites (CS/CNTs/Ni3ZnC0.7) are successfully prepared by in situ growth of Ni3ZnC0.7 and CNTs on 3D melamine sponge carbon. With the increase ofprecursor, Ni3ZnC0.7 nanoparticles nucleate and catalyze the generation of CNTs on the surface of the carbon skeleton. The minimum reflection loss (RL) value of the S60min composite (loading time of 60 min) reaches -86.6dB at 1.6mm and effective absorption bandwidth (EAB, RL≤-10dB) is up to 9.3GHz (8.7-18GHz). The 3D network sponge carbon with layered micro/nanostructure and hollow skeleton promotes multiple reflection and absorption mechanisms of incident EMW. The N-doping and defects can be equivalent to an electric dipole, providing dipole polarization to increase dielectric relaxation. The uniform Ni3ZnC0.7 nanoparticles and CNTs play a key role in dissipating electromagnetic energy, blocking heat transfer, and enhancing the mechanical properties of the skeleton. Fortunately, the composite displays a quite low thermal conductivity of 0.09075Wm·K-1 and good flexibility, which can provide insulation and quickly recover to its original state after being stressed.

Synthesis of porous carbon-encapsulated MoxC/Co based on NaCl template and ZIF-67 towards enhancing electromagnetic wave absorption

Although molybdenum carbide (MoxC) has emerged as an effective absorber of electromagnetic (EM) waves, its practical application is hindered by impedance mismatch and single loss mechanism. Herein, we developed a one-step method for creating NaCl template precursors assembled with ZIF-67 to produce porous multiple components of MoxC composites. The MoxC-Co/C composites exhibit a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of −59.69 dB with a bandwidth of 3.12 GHz at a thickness of 1.50 mm. The RLmin reaches −71.39 dB with a bandwidth of 4.08 GHz at a thickness of 2.09 mm. The flower-like MoxC-Co/C composites are capable of improving impedance matching and offering multiple loss mechanisms such as interfacial polarization, dipolar polarization, conductive loss and magnetic loss, resulting in enhanced EM wave absorption. Thus, our work featured a simple strategy to provide a unique insight into fabricating high-performance EM wave absorbers on molybdenum carbon basis.