Impedance Matching Characteristics Research Articles

Carbon based Composite Materials for Microwave Absorption in Low Frequency S and C Band: A Review

AbstractWith the rapid advancement of 5G technologies and electronic devices, there is a growing demand for microwave absorbing materials, especially those effective in low frequency microwave bands (2–8 GHz), making it an essential requirement. In recent years, many innovative microwave absorbers have been developed for low frequency absorption, with carbon/magnetic composite materials becoming particularly promising due to their various loss mechanisms and optimized impedance matching characteristics over a wide frequency range. However, there is currently a lack of a comprehensive review that summarizes the findings on low frequency absorbers. This review article thoroughly examines the current research on carbon/magnetic composite materials with efficient absorption performance in the low‐frequency S and C bands. It provides a detailed discussion of the microwave absorption performance of these composite materials. Furthermore, the composite design strategies, synthesis techniques, microstructure performance relationship, and microwave attenuation mechanisms are summarized. Lastly, the challenges and future outlook for low frequency microwave absorbing materials are addressed. This review article aspires to provide new insights into designing and synthesizing composite materials to accomplish effective low‐frequency microwave absorption, thereby promoting practical applications.

Study on the electromagnetic wave absorption performance of dual-loss type composite MWCNT/CIP/GF/EP

Abstract The electromagnetic properties of single-loss glass fiber (GF) absorbing composites with the addition of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) particles and single-loss glass fiber (GF) absorbing composites with the addition of carbonyl iron powder (CIP) particles in the X-band were studied. Using CST electromagnetic simulation combined with experiments, dual-loss multi-walled carbon nanotube/carbonyl iron powder/glass fiber/epoxy (MWCNT/CIP/GF/EP) resin absorbing composites were designed and prepared. The effects of thickness ratio and periodic layering on the absorbing properties of dual-loss glass fiber absorbing composites were investigated. The results show that by changing the thickness ratio and periodic layering, the impedance matching and attenuation characteristics of the dual-loss glass fiber absorbing composites can be altered, thereby affecting the overall absorbing performance. The optimal group exhibited a maximum reflection loss of -55.3 dB at 8.5 GHz, with an effective absorption bandwidth of 3.0 GHz, covering 71.4% of the X-band.

RF NEMS switches based on graphene for low pull-in voltage and excellent RF performance

This study introduces a novel graphene RF NEMS capacitive switch and conducts an extensive analysis of its RF performance using CST and COMSOL Multiphysics software. The switch’s characteristic impedance matching is accomplished through a coplanar waveguide (CPW) structure, incorporating a dielectric layer topped with conductive graphene beam electrodes. Simulation results reveal that the monolayer graphene RF NEMS switch maintains an insertion loss of 0.003 ~ 0.015 dB and an isolation greater than 40 dB across an ultra-wideband (UWB) frequency range of DC ~ 140 GHz. Moreover, the switch demonstrates a switching time of 4.03 ps at a pull-in voltage of 1 V. The performance of multilayer graphene RF NEMS switches was also evaluated. The study further investigates the operational mechanism of the graphene RF NEMS switch and performs finite element analysis on the proposed design. The graphene RF NEMS switch discussed herein offers significant advantages, including minimal size, lightweight, cost-effectiveness, low pull-in voltage, rapid response time, excellent RF performance, and reduced space consumption in circuitry. Its potential applications span a range from L to F bands, encompassing data storage, communication systems, sensors, remote sensing and military uses.

Dielectric metamaterials with effective self-duality and full-polarization omnidirectional brewster effect

Conventional dielectric solid materials, both natural and artificial, lack electromagnetic self-duality and thus require additional coatings to achieve impedance matching with free space. Here, we present a class of dielectric metamaterials that are effectively self-dual and vacuum-like, thereby exhibiting full-polarization omnidirectional impedance matching as an unusual Brewster effect extended across all incident angles and polarizations. With both birefringence and reflection eliminated regardless of wavefront and polarization, such anisotropic metamaterials could establish the electromagnetic equivalence with “stretched free space” in transformation optics, as substantiated through full-wave simulations and microwave experiments. Our findings open a practical pathway for realizing unprecedented polarization-independence and omnidirectional impedance-matching characteristics in pure dielectric solids.

Magnetic bimetallic nanoparticles confined growth for enhancement of electromagnetic loss in void@Fe@SiO2/Co/C particles

The dispersion of diverse magnetic metallic in a single particle plays an important role in microwave absorption; however, its contribution is not clear due to the challenge of controllable synthesis of magnetic bimetallic nanoparticles in one micro/nanostructure. Herein, a series of magnetic bimetallic nanoparticles separately confined growth in a hollow multi-shell microsphere with proper impedance matching characteristic were prepared, which can be used as theoretical models to elucidate magnetic coupling effect between diverse magnetic metallic nanoparticles in a single particle on electromagnetic attenuation. The coupling effect of magnetic Co and Fe nanoparticles dispersed in different shell effectively enhance the microwave absorption performance of void@Fe@SiO2/Co/C particles with minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of −62.3 dB (RL=-20 dB, 99 % absorption) at a thickness of 2.05 mm, provoking the maximum radar cross-section (RCS) reduction value of perfect electric conductor (PEC) 37.37 dBm2. Meanwhile, broad effective bandwidth (EBW, RL≤-10 dB, ≥90 % absorption) response of 7.04 GHz at a thickness of 2.44 mm was achieved. These findings can provide guidance for the designation of novel magnetic broadband microwave absorbing materials (MAMs).

Microwave absorption properties of Co/C and Ni/C composite nanofibers prepared by electrospinning

Abstract Carbon nanofibers with Co, Ni nanoparticle were synthesized by a two-step process involving electrospinning and heat treatment. Their phase composition, microstructure, elemental composition and electromagnetic characteristics were characterized using x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and vector network analyzer (VNA). The microwave absorption performance of these carbon nanofibers was also studied. The results indicate that these composite nanofibers are intact and consist of amorphous carbon and face-centered cubic structured magnetic metals. The resultant metal nanoparticles are uniformly dispersed along carbon-based nanofibers which enhance the synergistic and interfacial effects between magnetic loss and dielectric loss. When the thicknesses of the absorbers are 1.5 mm, the absorption bandwidths (RL ≤ −10 dB) are approximately 4 GHz and 2.5 GHz for the Co/C, Ni/C composite nanofibers, respectively, which are obviously superior to pure carbon nanofibers. Co/C composite nanofibers exhibit a wider absorption band range and stronger microwave absorption intensity compared to Ni/C composite nanofibers, attributed to their excellent electromagnetic impedance matching and attenuation characteristics. This indicates that the Co/C composite nanofibers are promising candidates for novel microwave absorbing materials.

Design implementation analysis of multi-band antenna for terrestrial applications

A multi-band antenna is proposed for terrestrial applications above 5 GHz. The design includes one director element, three split ring resonators (SRR), and a printed patch antenna on a FR4 substrate to make the miniature structure. The novelty is the addition of “C” split rings and one identical stub linked to the partial ground into the radiating element, which improves impedance matching and radiation characteristics across the target bands. The prototype is designed with five distinct resonance frequencies and radiation patterns compared to those produced by the patch, the director and resonators are added. Return loss simulation results and measured radiation pattern findings are validated and analyzed. The antenna produces a gain of 7.84 dB, overall efficiency of 84.76 %, and a VSWR of 1.8 at 7 GHz frequency, which is achieved due to the peculiar features of the FR4 and it is highly suitable for traditional communication. VSWR, gain, and radiation efficiency are all higher on this antenna than they are on a typical multiband antenna. At 20 GHz, the designed antenna band is efficient to operate with five dissimilar resonant frequency bands, pinpointed at 7.224 GHz, 10.723 GHz, 13.808 GHz, 17.014 GHz and 19.549 GHz through different impedance bandwidths.

Design of an All-Metal Vivaldi Array Antenna with Dual-Slant Polarization for High-Power Jammer Systems

In this paper, we propose an all-metal Vivaldi array antenna with dual-slant polarization for high-power jammer systems. The single Vivaldi element of the proposed array consists of radiating flares and an inner cavity to achieve high directivity and wide-frequency band impedance-matching characteristics. We expanded the proposed Vivaldi element to a 4 × 4 array antenna with dual-slant polarization considering the occurrence of grating lobes. The fabricated array antenna produced measured active voltage standing wave ratios below 2.74:1 (Port 1) and 2.85:1 (Port 6) in the frequency range of 2.5–5.5 GHz for all steering angles. In addition, the measured array gain is above 9.5 dBi in the frequency range from 2 GHz to 6 GHz. These results confirm that the proposed array antenna consisting of metallic components for high durability is suitable for application to high-power jammers.

Constructing crystalline/amorphous heterojunction in FeCo@C nanoboxes for enhanced electromagnetic wave absorption

The advanced electromagnetic applications urgently require high performance absorbers with sophisticated structural and compositional design. An effective strategy is to construct a three-dimensional hollow structure, with enhanced electromagnetic wave dissipation capacity over a wide effective absorption bandwidth. However, a major challenge remains due to a single loss mechanism system derived from the conventional hollow nanobox structure, which seriously causes impedance mismatch and lack of polarization centers. Herein, we innovatively construct novel hollow structure FeCo@C (CMFC) with crystalline/amorphous heterojunction FeCo/C particles by cation exchange method, thereby achieving enhanced electromagnetic wave absorption. The CMFC achieves Ku-band effective absorption with a reflection loss of −50.57 dB and effective absorption bandwidth of 5.35 GHz at 1.8 mm. The CMFC exhibits excellent microwave absorption performance due to the presence of crystalline/amorphous FeCo/C heterojunction, which is attributed to the balanced dielectric loss and optimized impedance matching characteristics. CST simulations demonstrate that the CMFC has a radar scattering interface reduction value as high as 26.12 dBm (Wu et al., 2023) [2] at a scattering angle of 0°. This work provides new ideas for the rational design of hollow nanostructures with heterojunction particles for efficient microwave absorption.

Study on the electromagnetic properties and microwave absorption properties of Co2Si by non-magnetic metal Cu and Mn single doping

In this study, Co2Si and Co2Si-doped powder materials with different Cu,Mn proportions were prepared by mechanical alloying and thermal sintering. The effects of Cu,Mn doping on the crystal structure, magnetic properties, and microwave absorption properties of Co2Si were investigated. The results showed that all the sample peaks obtained by XRD measurement were consistent with the standard card (ICDD: 98–005–2281) of Co2Si.The Ms values corresponding to 2 at%, 4 at%, and 8 at% Cu doping were 25.79 emu/g, 23.79 emu/g, and 21.75 emu/g, respectively. The saturation magnetization of Co2Si samples doped with 2 at%, 4 at% and 8 at% Mn was 8.26 emu/g, 20.33 emu/g and 14.65 emu/g, respectively.The doping of Cu significantly improved the comprehensive absorption performance of Co2Si alloy, and the lowest reflection loss was obtained when Cu was doped with Co2Si alloy, with an RLmin value of -67.61 dB and an EAB of 2.40 GHz. The comprehensive absorption performance of Mn doped Co2Si was also improved, and the RLmin value of Mn doped with 4 at% was -67.04 dB, and the EAB was 2.39 GHz.This is because that the small Co2-xMxSi (M=Cu,Mn) alloy can produce multiple reflection and scattering effects, which increase the propagation path of the electromagnetic wave and optimize the impedance matching characteristics of the material.

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.

Design and analysis of ultra-wideband miniaturized metamaterial absorbers for radiation suppression

This paper presents a novel miniaturized ultra-wideband metamaterial absorber with a thickness of 0.069λ L thick, engineered to suppress electromagnetic radiation in high-frequency chip packaging. The absorber’s bandwidth is enhanced through the incorporation of lumped resistors and patterned metal strips. Simulation results reveal an absorption efficiency exceeding 90% across the frequency range of 17.3–33.5 GHz, while maintaining polarization insensitivity and angular stability. The absorption mechanism is investigated using equivalent circuit theory and the S-parameter inversion method, which demonstrate consistent impedance matching and advantageous loss characteristics throughout the wide band. Relevant objects were meticulously prepared and tested, yielding a high correlation between the measured and simulated results. The proposed absorber, when integrated into package chips and patch antennas, significantly reduces the far-field electric field amplitude in both applications. Specifically, the packaged chip shows up to 19.7 dB of electromagnetic radiation suppression and the patch antenna structure achieves over 10 dB of radiation suppression in the 24.2 GHz–30.4 GHz range post-integration. These results affirm the absorber’s efficacy in effectively reducing unwanted electromagnetic radiation in specified frequency bands within complex electromagnetic environments. The absorber’s demonstrated effectiveness provides a promising approach to address the increasing issue of electromagnetic radiation in progressively miniaturized electronic devices.

Ultralight Hierarchical Fe3O4/MoS2/rGO/Ti3C2Tx MXene Composite Aerogels for High-Efficiency Electromagnetic Wave Absorption.

Aerogel-based composites, renowned for their three-dimensional (3D) network architecture, are gaining increasing attention as lightweight electromagnetic (EM) wave absorbers. However, attaining high reflection loss, broad effective absorption bandwidth (EAB), and ultrathin thickness concurrently presents a formidable challenge, owing to the stringent demands for precise structural regulation and incorporation of magnetic/dielectric multicomponents with synergistic loss mechanisms within the 3D networks. In this study, we successfully synthesized a 3D hierarchical porous Fe3O4/MoS2/rGO/Ti3C2Tx MXene (FMGM) composite aerogel via directional freezing and subsequent heat treatment processes. Owing to their ingenious structure and multicomponent design, the FMGM aerogels, featured with abundant heterogeneous interface structure and magnetic/dielectric synergism, show exceptional impedance matching characteristics and diverse EM wave absorption mechanisms. After optimization, the prepared ultralight (6.4 mg cm-3) FMGM-2 aerogel exhibits outstanding EM wave absorption performance, achieving a minimal reflection loss of -66.92 dB at a thickness of 3.61 mm and an EAB of 6.08 GHz corresponding to the thickness of 2.3 mm, outperforming most of the previously reported aerogel-based absorbing materials. This research presents an effective strategy for fabricating lightweight, ultrathin, highly efficient, and broad band EM wave absorption materials.

Hollow engineering in CoNi@Air@C@MoS2 multicomponent composites derived from bimetallic CoNi Prussian blue analogs for ultra-wide bandwidth and strong electromagnetic wave absorption

In recent years, two-dimensional layered transition metal dichalcogenides-based multicomponent composites (MCCs) acting as electromagnetic wave (EMW) materials have received intensive investigations. However, the vulcanication of metal greatly hindered their enhancement of EMW absorption performances (EMWAPs). Herein, a combined metal-organic frameworks-derived and hydrothermal strategy was presented to produce yolk-shell structure (YSS) CoNi@Air@C@MoS2 MCCs. The results showed that the thermal and hydrothermal treatments resulted in the generation of YSS and two-dimensional MoS2 nanosheets, which maintained the original morphology of CoNi Prussian blue analogues. The protection of thick C layer well inhibited the vulcanization of inner CoNi alloy. The formed sheet-like MoS2 further optimized impedance matching characteristics, which led to the satisfactory EMWAPs of CoNi@Air@C@MoS2 MCCs. Furthermore, the EMWAPs could be further improved by optimizing the Ni:Co atom ratios CoNi@Air@C@MoS2 MCCs, which stemmed from their boosted impedance matching performances, EMW attention and polarization loss abilities. The absorption bandwidth and reflection loss values for YSS CoNi@Air@C@MoS2 MCCs are 8 GHz and −60.83 dB, which covered almost all C-Ku bands. In general, our research work provided a valid strategy to produce YSS magnetic CoNi@Air@C@MoS2 MCCs with high efficiency, which well avoided the vulcanization of metal nanoparticles, made best of hollow engineering and atomic ratio optimization strategy to boost the comprehensive EMWAPs.

Low-density, large-sized SiCnw/SiOC composite aerogels with excellent thermal insulation, microwave absorption, and thermostability

Polymer-derived ceramic aerogels are promising materials for thermal insulation and microwave absorption in harsh environments because their microstructures can be controlled at the molecular level. Silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) aerogels are considered as potential high-temperature electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbers, but their application range is limited by complex preparation process and unsatisfactory microwave-absorption performance. This paper reports a new SiC nanowire/SiOC composite aerogel (SCA) synthesized through the sol–gel process, environmental pressure drying, and high-temperature treatment. The SCA performance is adjusted by controlling the ratio of SiC nanowires, obtaining low thermal conductivities (0.04–0.042 W m−1 K−1) and excellent mechanical properties (4.37–5.45 MPa). Increasing the SiC nanowire content gradually increases the EMW absorption capacity of SCA. The optimal reflection loss is −53.64 dB and the effective absorption bandwidth is 3.88 GHz, substantially higher than that of SiOC aerogels. This high performance is mainly attributable to the appropriate impedance matching characteristics and strong polarization loss ability. Moreover, the performance of the composite aerogels was retained after long-term treatment in an air environment at 800 °C. SCA also exhibits excellent high-temperature insulation and flame retardancy. Owing to its light weight, strong microwave-absorption ability, good thermal insulation performance, and oxidation resistance, SCA is a highly promising alternative material for use in extreme environments.

Constructing and optimizing epoxy resin-based carbon Nanotube/Barium ferrite microwave absorbing coating system

High-performance microwave absorbing coatings are highly indispensable for protecting human health and enhancing military strength. A single- and double-layer wave-absorbing coating system that employs complex microwave absorbers composed of the helical carbon nanotubes/doped barium ferrite composite with epoxy resin as the matrix was developed. The concentration and thickness of the coating were optimized by the numerical simulation and the adaptive genetic algorithm. The developed helical carbon nanotubes/doped barium ferrite wave-absorbing composites have a porous reticular structure, with abundant microscopic cavities and an adequately conductive network. The coatings are characterized by a flat surface, good uniformity, and high density. The reflectivity measured by the arch method is similar to that obtained through the finite element simulation, where the absorption bands of all the developed coatings are distributed in the range of 10–18 GHz. The optimized wave-absorbing coating exhibits the most uniform scattering pattern, the largest radar cross section (RCS) reduction, the smallest input reflection coefficient, and the highest absorptivity. Thus, it exhibits the best comprehensive microwave-absorption performance with a minimum reflection loss of −17.22 dB at 16.66 GHz. In particular, the absorption bandwidth of the coating can reach 9.16 GHz, which is attributable to its multiple synergistic electromagnetic attenuation mechanisms and its excellent characteristics of interference-cancellation and impedance-matching characteristics. Generally, helical carbon nanotubes/doped barium ferrite wave-absorbing coatings are promising candidates for applications in Ku-band microwave absorption.

Binary and ternary ferromagnetic alloy/C nanocapsules for improved X-band microwave absorption

The dielectric-magnetic matching effect emerges from the presence of dual dielectric relaxation and multiple magnetic resonances. This phenomenon becomes a strategic approach in the quest to enhance microwave absorption performance by optimizing magnetic components. Herein, binary and ternary ferromagnetic alloy with tunable components embedded in carbon skeleton (core/shell) nanocapsules has been successfully fabricated by one step metal-organic chemical vapor deposition. The core/shell structure design introduces numerous interfaces that amplify dielectric loss stemming from polarization. It is important to emphasize that modifying the composition of magnetic core in these nanocapsules effectively regulates the impedance matching characteristics. As a result, the CoFeNi/C nanocapsules demonstrate an optimal reflection loss (RLmin) of −53.6 dB at a thickness of 2.55 mm, alongside an effective absorption bandwidth of 5.92 GHz at a thickness of 2.05 mm, with a filling ratio as low as 20 wt%. This study has provided valuable insights into a promising avenue for fabricating dielectric-magnetic nanocomposites with outstanding microwave attenuation capabilities through the manipulation of composited elements.

Structural design in reduced graphene oxide (RGO) metacomposites for enhanced microwave absorption in wide temperature spectrum

High-temperature microwave absorbing materials (MAMs) and structures are increasingly appealing due to their critical role in stealth applications under harsh environments. However, the impedance mismatch caused by increased conduction loss often leads to a significant decline in electromagnetic wave absorption (EMWA) performance at elevated temperatures, which severely restricts their practical application. In this study, we propose a novel approach for efficient electromagnetic wave absorption across a wide temperature range using reduced graphene oxide (RGO)/epoxy resin (EP) metacomposites that integrate both electromagnetic parameters and metamaterial design concepts. Due to the discrete distribution of the units, electromagnetic waves can more easily penetrate the interior of materials, thereby exhibiting stable microwave absorption (MA) performance and impedance-matching characteristics suitable across a wide temperature range. Consequently, exceptional MA properties can be achieved within the temperature range from 298 to 473 K. Furthermore, by carefully controlling the structural parameters in RGO metacomposites, both the resonant frequency and effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) can be optimized based on precise manipulation of equivalent electromagnetic parameters. This study not only provides an effective approach for the rational design of MA performance but also offers novel insights into achieving super metamaterials with outstanding performance across a wide temperature spectrum.

Featuring vertical channel structure through directional solidification method to endow GNP-aerogels with enhanced ultra-electromagnetic wave absorption

Three-dimensional (3D) carbon-based electromagnetic waves absorbing materials (EWAMs) have garnered significant attention due to high electrical conductivity, high dielectric loss, low density, and improved characterization of impedance matching. However, there is a paucity of research on the design of material structures. In this regard, we proposed the graphene nanoplates (GNPs) EWAMs featuring a vertically aligned channel structure through liquid nitrogen rapid directional solidification and freeze-drying techniques. By utilizing methyl cellulose (MC) as a binder to modify the internal ice crystal structure, an exceptional electromagnetic waves (EWs) absorption material exhibiting excellent impedance matching characteristics and demonstrating multiple polarization phenomena were created. Notably, the material showcased superior absorption performance with a minimal reflection loss (RLmin) of −57.20 dB. Furthermore, the pre-solidification slurry possesses remarkable plasticity, facilitating the fabrication of various complex structures for EWAMs during directional solidification. This method provides novel insights for future exploration and fabrication of tuneable frequency band EWAMs.

Compositional and Hollow Engineering of Silicon Carbide/Carbon Microspheres as High-Performance Microwave Absorbing Materials with Good Environmental Tolerance

HighlightsHollow SiC/C microspheres with controllable composition have been successfully synthesized by simultaneously implementing compositional and structural engineering.The optimum dielectric properties (i.e., conductivity loss and polarization loss) and impedance matching characteristics can achieve outstanding microwave absorption performance.Broadband wave absorption (5.1 GHz with only 1.8 mm thickness), high efficiency loss (− 60.8 dB at 10.4 GHz) combined with good environmental tolerance, demonstrate their bright prospects in practice.