Reflection Loss Research Articles

3D framework MXene Ti3C2/g-C3N4/Fe3Si magneto-dielectric foam unveiling superior microwave absorption and thermal management performance

In conjunction with the swift advancement of detection technologies, the challenge persists in developing advanced stealth materials. The focus of this work is on the straightforward synthesis of a hybrid magneto-dielectric nanocomposite material composed of MXene Ti3C2/Fe3Si/g-C3N4 within a three-dimensional melamine foam framework, designed to deliver effective stealth capabilities. The high electrical conductivity and considerable permittivity of Ti3C2 have imposed limitations on its effectiveness in electromagnetic wave absorbers. In this context, the utilization of this compound in combination with substances like g-C3N4 and Fe3Si to fine-tune impedance matching and fully exploit the intrinsic properties is suggested. Furthermore, the distinctive 3D porous frameworks of the melamine foam, combined with the accordion-like structure of the MXene compound, extend and elongate paths for wave propagation to enhance energy dissipation. Through the activation of various loss mechanisms, it was possible to achieve a minimum reflection loss of −44.3 dB using a 1.5 mm thickness with an effective absorption bandwidth of 1.9 GHz. The enhancement of stealth performance was achieved through the combination of heterojunction interfaces among hybrid components and a 3D interconnected continuous path within the structure.

Interfacial and Defective Construction from Diverse CuxSy Quantum Dots toward Broadband Carbon-Based Microwave Absorber.

In this study, highly monodisperse copper sulfide (CuxSy) quantum dots (QDs) have been successfully obtained using a ligand-chemistry strategy, and then a variety of S-deficient CuxSy/nitrogen-doped carbon (NC) heterointerfaces are constructed by compositional fine-tuning (Cu9S5 → Cu1.96S → Cu). First-principles calculations show that the S-deficient domains of CuxSy QDs and N-doped domains of carbon synergistically enhance the electron transfer from CuxSy to NC. In addition, the finite element simulations demonstrate that the diverse CuxSy QDs exhibit their intrinsic size and dielectric confinement effects to precisely manipulate the electric field distortion and improve the relaxation polarization. Consequently, CuxSy@NC achieves excellent impedance matching and a strong loss mode dominated by dielectric polarization. Among them, CuxSy@NC-650 has a maximum effective absorption bandwidth of 7.7 GHz at 2.5 mm, while CuxSy@NC-700 features a minimum reflection loss of -66.7 dB at 13.7 GHz, respectively. Furthermore, the simulations of radar cross-sections have confirmed that the CuxSy@NC series is promising in the field of radar stealth.

Multi-dimensional, multi-interface Fe3C/carbon sheets/carbon tubes nanoarchitecture towards high-performance microwave absorption

The serious problem of electromagnetic (EM) interference brings growing demand for developing high-performance electromagnetic shielding materials. In this study, three-dimensional (3D) Fe3C/carbon/carbon tubes (Fe3C/C/CT) absorber with multi-heterointerface was prepared by a facile self-propagating followed by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) strategy. Initially, Fe3O4 nanoparticles were anchored onto carbon nanosheets through the self-propagating process. After different etching times with diluted acid, CTs with diverse dimensions and quantities were catalyzed by the modified Fe3O4 catalysts during the CVD approach and grown from the carbon sheets. Such a special nanoarchitecture, which consists of carbon sheets and carbon tubes, acts as the source of dielectric loss. Meanwhile, Fe3C nanoparticles provide magnetic loss, and the abundant interfaces facilitate synergistic electromagnetic loss. Moreover, large numbers of heterointerfaces from the unique multidimensional nanoarchitecture significantly enhance the impedance matching and produce abundant dipole polarization. Ultimately, with etching time of 30 min, the Fe3C/C/CT-30 achieves excellent electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption property with a minimum reflection loss of −46.4 dB at 10.56 GHz with a thickness of 3.0 mm. When the thickness is 3.57 mm, the effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) can extend up to 4.48 GHz. Moreover, the practical application of the absorbers was evaluated using radar cross-section (RCS) simulation, indicating that Fe3C/C/CT-30 achieves a maximum RCS reduction value of 58 dBm2. The multi-dimensional and multi-heterointerface absorber presented in this work might offer valuable insights for optimizing electromagnetic absorbers.

Apple Tree Root‐Derived Biochar/Iron Oxide Triphasic Nanocomposite for Wastewater Treatment and Microwave Absorption

AbstractIn this work, two major sources of pollution: (1) Water pollution due to heavy metals, and (2) Electromagnetic wave (EMW) pollution, often regarded as the fourth category of pollution (after air, water, and soil pollution) are addressed. A unique bio‐based triphasic nanocomposite (Fe3O4/α‐Fe2O3/carbon) is synthesized and its superior properties are demonstrated to address both types of environmental pollution. The nanocomposite, derived from lightweight apple tree roots, is used for Pb (II) ion removal from aqueous solutions via adsorption and magnetic separation. The biomass‐derived highly porous biochar decorated with iron‐oxide showed adsorption efficiency of nearly 100% and corresponding capacity of 149 mg.g−1 under optimal conditions for initial Pb (II) concentration of 50 mg.L−1. Furthermore, a remarkable adsorption capacity of 731 mg.g−1 is achieved using lower amount of the adsorbent for a slightly lower efficiency (97%). In addition, the mesoporous composite showed excellent EMW absorption efficiency with effective absorption bandwidth of 7.8 GHz and reflection loss of −61.7 dB, arising from very good impedance matching, and high dielectric and magnetic losses. This work establishes the multifunctional properties of the synthesized composite, and addresses the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 (Clean water and sanitation) and SDG 13 (Climate action, including pollution management).

Mechanism of praseodymium yttrium regulating the absorption properties of M-type strontium ferrite: From single phase to multi phase mixed system

When Pr and Y ions are added to M-type strontium ferrite, a portion of the ions will enter the main phase lattice, while the excess ions will aggregate at the grain boundaries to form a secondary phase. The occupancy of rare earth ions in the main phase lattice and the formation of secondary phases are two key factors affecting the material's absorbing properties. The difference in ultimate solid solubility between rare earth ions Pr and Y in M-type strontium ferrite is significant, and they also form different secondary phases at grain boundaries. Consequently, the synthesized SrFe12-2xPrxYxO19 (0 < x ≤ 1.5) demonstrates its potential as a microwave absorbing material across a wide range of substitutions. Moreover, the performance changes have their own characteristics at different substitution levels. XRD results show that the samples include pure M phase and the coexistence of M phase and heterogeneous phases, with the heterogeneous phases being perovskite-type and garnet-type. SEM and EDS results indicate that Pr and Y co-substitution can refine grain size and reduce oxygen content. XPS results suggest that the valence change of Pr ions leads to the generation of Fe2+ ions and oxygen vacancies (Od). PPMS results reveal that saturation magnetization and coercivity are mainly affected by anisotropy field and particle size. Co-substitution of Pr and Y increases the dielectric and magnetic losses of the M phase, and the generated heterogeneous phases also enhance the dielectric and magnetic losses through interface polarization and magnetic exchange coupling effects, both cooperatively improving the wave-absorbing performance, with the minimum reflection loss (RLmin) reaching −51.57 dB (x = 0.1, d1 = 4.0 mm, EAB = 2.57 GHz).

Multifunctional SiC nanowire aerogels with efficient electromagnetic wave absorption for applications in complex environments

In the digital age, with rapid advancements in electromagnetic (EM) technology, electromagnetic pollution has emerged as a significant concern. Traditional electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption materials, however, are constrained by their limited application range, inadequate physicochemical stability, and inferior mechanical strength, hindering their further development and application. Consequently, there exists a demand for an EMW absorber that not only incorporates multiple functionalities but also retains essential physicochemical characteristics. In this context, this study introduces an ultralight (∼12 mg cm⁻³) and multifunctional SiC nanowire aerogel (SNWA), synthesized through a direct chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique. The resulting SNWA demonstrates exceptional elasticity, outstanding mechanical durability, and high thermal stability at increased temperatures. Additionally, the enhanced SNWA shows improved hydrophobic properties, facilitating its use in highly humid conditions. The SNWA material also presents remarkable EMW absorption efficiency, with a minimum reflection loss of −50.6 dB and an effective absorption bandwidth of up to 7.7 GHz. The straightforward CVD synthesis and surface modification technique ensure the SNWA's durable and efficient performance in demanding environments.

Lightweight composites derived from carbonized taro stems for microwave energy attenuation and thermal energy storage

A novel strategy has been developed for preparing porous carbon materials derived from taro stems, aimed at enhancing electromagnetic wave (EMW) attenuation and thermal energy storage. The materials were synthesized through the carbonization of taro stems to form a porous carbon structure, subsequently enhanced with polyethylene glycol (PEG) containing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and nickel (Ni) nanoparticles. By adjusting the carbonization temperature and the loading of CNTs and Ni, the resulting carbon materials exhibited exceptional EMW attenuation performance. Specifically, the PC-800 sample demonstrated a remarkable minimum reflection loss of −61.4 dB across the frequency range of 8.2–11 GHz, with a low density of 0.054 g/cm³. The PC-1200 sample exhibited EMI SE values of 23.6 dB axially and 21.5 dB radially in the X-band, with an ultra-low density of 0.033 g/cm³. Further enhancements were observed in the PC/CNT2 and PC/CNT2-Ni15 composites, achieving EMI SE values of 26.3 dB and 26.8 dB, respectively. Additionally, these composites exhibited effective thermal energy storage and release, as confirmed by heating experiments. This study not only introduces a method for creating absorption-dominated biomass electromagnetic shielding materials but also provides a dual-functional solution for enhancing the performance of electronic devices.

High-entropy TiVNbMoC3Tx MXene hybrid with balanced dielectric-magnetic loss for high-efficient electromagnetic wave absorption with environmental stability

With the advent of the 5G era, there is a growing demand for electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbers that offer both efficient absorption and improved environmental stability. Transition metal carbides/carbonitrides (MXene), with their atomic-layered structures and high electrical conductivity, offer substantial potential for crafting efficient electromagnetic functional materials. Yet, enhancing the antioxidant capabilities and addressing the poor loss mechanisms of traditional MXene absorbers remain challenging tasks. In this context, a TiVNbMoC3Tx high-entropy MXene (HE-MXene) and its magnetic hybrids were synthesized for the first time. The unique multicomponent structure of high-entropy MXene reduces grain boundary formation, thereby slowing the progression of oxidation reactions. The incorporation of magnetic nanoparticles induces interface polarization loss or strong magnetic coupling, thereby enhancing EMW attenuation. These magnetic HE-MXene hybrids demonstrated a minimum reflection loss of −57.59 dB at a matching thickness of 1.46 mm and an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 4.72 GHz at a thickness of 1.53 mm. Furthermore, the magnetic hybrids also exhibited outstanding oxidation and electrochemical corrosion resistance. This research provides valuable theoretical insights for the development of electromagnetic composites within high entropy (HE) systems, showcasing significant potential for long-term applications.

Assessing the electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of coconut coir composites with varying iron particle concentrations

This study investigates the electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of Coconut Coir-based Porous Carbon (CCPC) composites with varying iron (Fe) particle concentrations, specifically focusing on four different weight ratios of CCPC/Fe-80, CCPC/Fe-60, CCPC/Fe-40, and CCPC/Fe-20. The novelty of this work lies in the use of sustainable coconut coir as a base material, emphasizing its eco-friendly and cost-effective attributes for Electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding applications. The significance of varying iron particle concentrations is highlighted to optimize electromagnetic shielding effectiveness. Comprehensive analyses were conducted on these composites. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the presence of crystalline Fe particles and amorphous carbon, with crystalline sizes determined via Williamson-Hall (W-H) plot, Scherrer Equation, and Strain Size Plot (SSP) ranging from 17.33 nm to 18.01 nm for the former. Raman spectroscopy revealed distinctive D and G bands, with intensity ratios indicating a slight increase in structural disorder with higher Fe content. UV-Visualization spectroscopy demonstrated distinct absorption peaks, with higher Fe content resulting in more pronounced absorbance and lower band gap energies. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) analyses provided detailed insights into the material's microstructure and elemental composition, confirming the successful integration of Fe particles within the porous carbon matrix. Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) testing measured the reflection loss (RL), showing values in the range of −26.4 dB to −20.2 dB, for 2 mm thick samples, corresponding to electromagnetic wave attenuation of over 99%. These results underscore the potential of CCPC/Fe composites, particularly in applications requiring effective Electromagnetic (EM) wave attenuation. This research offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution, contributing significantly to the field of materials science by enhancing electromagnetic compatibility in various technological applications.

Phase Engineering in a Twin‐Phase β/γ‐MoCx Lightweight Nanoflower with Matched Fermi Level for Enhancing Electron Transport Across the Polarized Interfaces in Electromagnetic Wave Attenuation

AbstractThe phase engineering of the polarization interface is of great significance in modifying dielectric loss in electromagnetic wave (EMW) attenuation process, but hard to conduct in a complex hybrid system. Herein, a twin‐phase of β/γ‐MoCx@CN with matched Fermi level and closed work function properties in lightweight MoCx nanoflower is constructed, facilitating electron transport withdraw enhanced conductivity and polarization. Moreover, the EMW multiple dissipations among the β/γ‐MoCx@CN polarization interface is promoted, displaying better matched impedance. It delivered a remarkable minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of −74.2 dB at the thickness of 1.5 mm, which far beyond the single phased β‐MoCx@CN, γ‐MoCx@CN and reported MoCx‐based EMW absorbers. The radar cross‐section (RCS) map of β/γ‐MoCx@CN is simulated, showing a brilliant maximum reduction value of 13.6 dB m2 at the theta angle of 30°. This work presented an excellent sample of atomic‐level manipulation of interfacial polarization in dielectric MoCx EMW absorption materials.

Synthesis and characterization of (Ba2Zn2Fe12O22)1−x(NiFe2O4)x ferrite composites for antenna applications

A series of (Ba2Zn2Fe12O22)1−x(NiFe2O4)x ferrites (x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0) were successfully synthesized by one-pot coprecipitation route. XRD analysis reveals the formation of Ba2Zn2Fe12O22 and NiFe2O4 composite after sintering calcined precursor powder at 1200 °C/4 h. Densification behaviour was evaluated by Archimedes’ principle. Field emission scanning electron microscopy was used to study morphological characteristics. Room temperature magnetization behaviour was evaluated using a vibrating sample magnetometer. In composite, it was observed that the saturation magnetization (Ms) and coercivity (Hc) increased with increasing NiF content. With the increase of NiF in the composite, the permittivity (ε) decreased from 28.6 (for x = 0.2) to 13.6 (for x = 0.8) with the corresponding decrease in dielectric loss (tanδε) at 100 MHz. The permeability (μ) also decreased from 21.3 (x = 0.2) to 17.9 (x = 0.8) with the associated decrease of the magnetic losses (tanδμ) at 100 MHz. Miniaturization factor (n) of 19.2 and characteristic impedance of 1.1 were obtained for x = 0.4 composition at 100 MHz along with low dielectric loss factor (tan δε/ε) and magnetic loss factor (tan δµ/µ). The ferrite resonator antenna was fabricated using FR4 as substrate and ferrite pellet as magneto-dielectric resonator material. The antenna characteristics parameters reflection loss S (1,1) and voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) were measured by vector network analyser (VNA).

Compact and low-crosstalk multimode waveguide crossing utilizing subwavelength holey metamaterial waveguides

To further increase the transmission capacity of on-chip optical communication systems, hybrid division multiplexing technology has emerged as a crucial alternative solution, in which multimode waveguide crossings are highly desired. In this paper, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a compact multimode (i.e., three different modes) waveguide crossing that employs subwavelength holey metamaterial waveguides (SHMWs). The used SHMW, formed by inserting subwavelength periodic holes into a multimode interference (MMI) coupler, deservedly exhibits synergetic advantages of the two kinds of structures, enabling an attractive three-mode (e.g., TE0, TM0, and TM1) waveguide crossing with flexible design, small size, and good performance. Simulation results show that the realized device has a low insertion loss (&lt; 0.74 dB), low reflection loss (&lt;−13.1 dB), and low crosstalk (&lt;−31.6 dB) at a central wavelength of 1550 nm for all the modes with a compact footprint of 27.4 µm × 27.4 µm. The experimental results prove that insertion losses are as low as 0.72 dB, 0.27 dB, and 0.90 dB for TE0, TM0, and TM1 mode, respectively, with the corresponding crosstalk below −38 dB at 1550 nm. The proposed device can be widely applied in photonic integrated circuits to construct photonic systems with the abilities of mode control and multiplexing.

Magnetic carbon composites derived from biomass with excellent microwave absorption capacity

It is well known that magnetic iron oxide (Fe3O4) and carbon-based materials are good microwave absorbing materials. However, the frequency bands in which Fe3O4 absorbs electromagnetic waves are usually concentrated in the low-frequency region, whereas carbon materials are in the high-frequency region. Therefore, this study aims to deal with the limitation of the absorption bands of these two substances. In this work, this Fe3O4/C composite with high performance microwave absorption was successfully adoption of hydrothermal-calcination process using mangosteen shells as a biomass carbon material, and with a thickness of 1.97 mm, the optimal reflection loss of the sample can reach −67.49 dB, and the frequency band that can be absorbed is 4.32 GHz. The interface polarization, dipolar polarization and eddy current loss in Fe3O4 and carbon materials produce synergistic effects, and the porous conductive network increases the electromagnetic wave transmission path and generates conductive losses, which results in composites with excellent electromagnetic wave absorption properties. The findings indicated that a composite compound of Fe3O4 and carbon-based material was successfully synthesized by hydrothermal method and obtained a materials with outstanding electromagnetic wave absorption properties and high absorption bandwidth.

Progressive hollow engineering induced raspberry-like magnetoelectric microspheres via synergistic etching-assembly strategy toward boosted microwave attenuation

Optimizing the electromagnetic (EM) properties of composites through elaborate tailoring of their microstructures has become an attractive research branch, but determining the correlations between morphology, composition, and performance remains challenging. Herein, a novel progressive hollow engineering strategy is proposed for the construction of hollow CuFe Prussian blue analog (CuFePBA, CF) precursors with asymptotic variations of cavities and PBA units based on a synergistic etching-assembly approach, subsequently combined with a polydopamine (PDA) coating and carbothermal process to acquire raspberry-like hollow Cu/Fe/Fe3C@NC (CFC) composites. The proposed approach addresses the drawbacks caused by organic ligand depletion or corrosive agent usage. We then present a systematic investigation of the mechanism by which the progressive hollow engineering-induced concurrent evolution of hollow cavities, phases, defects, and inhomogeneous interfaces contributes to the improvement of the dielectric properties of the CFC samples. An optimal reflection loss (RLmin) of − 65.17 dB at 3.29 mm was realized for the CFC-2 sample and the CFC-3 sample achieved an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 4.4 GHz at an ultra-thin thickness of 1.29 mm. This work reveals the synergistic effects of compositional, interfacial, and defect variations on the EM wave attenuation properties of the composites, and will provide new design inspiration for novel absorbers with modulatable hollow architectures.

Engineering of N doped carbon@FeCo alloy hollow spheres: Remarkable mid-frequency electromagnetic wave absorption performance exhibited by unique porous and wrinkled surface structure

The modulation of the shape and design of microstructures plays a crucial role in enhancing the efficient absorption of electromagnetic waves in absorbers. The electromagnetic parameters and scattering effects of these materials are directly influenced by their morphological characteristics. In this study, polystyrene microspheres were used as templates for a two-step in-situ growth process: Initially, Fe₃O₄ was coated onto the surfaces of these microspheres, followed by the in-situ growth of Fe-Co Prussian blue analogs. The rational design of electrical parameters during the conversion process was calculated and analyzed using Density Functional Theory. The precursor was calcined at various temperatures to generate a unique porous wrinkled surface hollow nanostructure. This nanostructure not only facilitates multiple reflections and scattering of incident electromagnetic waves but also promotes the occurrence of multiple interface polarizations. Doping with nitrogen and oxygen elements introduced abundant dipole polarization, thereby enhancing the electromagnetic wave attenuation capability of the composite material. The Fe3O4@PBA composite material synthesized at 600°C achieved a minimum reflection loss of −57.01 dB and a maximum effective absorption bandwidth of 4.58 GHz (7.52–12.1 GHz) at a thickness of 4 mm, covering nearly the entire X-band. This method provides a means to enhance magnetic loss by temperature adjustment to control the magnetic components in composite materials, providing a systematic approach to designing the microstructure of materials used for absorbing electromagnetic waves.

Heterogeneous interface engineering of spindle shaped Fe/C through optimizing impedance response for enhanced microwave absorption and thermal conductivity

Heterogeneous interface design is pivotal in creating lightweight, broadband, and high-efficiency electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption materials. These materials enhance wave absorption by adaptively matching impedance. In this study, spindle-shaped Fe/C nanocomposites with heterogeneous interfaces and diverse surface microtopographies were synthesized by calcining iron-supported metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). During controlled pyrolysis, Fe3+ was reduced by carbon and conversely induced the graphitization of carbon, which is essential for the distribution and appearance of Fe and graphitized carbon as well as for modulating impedance matching. The porous structure of the Fe/C composites and the polarization loss and ferromagnetic resonance from the defective carbon and Fe magnetic particles synergistically enhance the wave absorption performance. The Fe/C-700 nanocomposite achieves a reflection loss (RL) of −55.9 dB at 12.48 GHz with an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB, RL ≤ −10 dB) of 3.9 GHz at 1.8 mm. The Fe/C-900 nanocomposite demonstrates a significant RL of −63.5 dB at 15.8 GHz with an EAB of 4.4 GHz between 13.6 GHz and 18 GHz at 1.5 mm, and an EAB of 5.5 GHz at 1.63 mm. These improvements are attributed to the impedance matching facilitated by the introduction of Fe magnetic particles and graphitized carbon. Additionally, the thermal conduction pathway formed among the Fe/C nanocomposites significantly enhances the thermal conductivity to 0.502 W m−1 K−1. Thus, this work offers a novel approach to the design of advanced wave-absorbing and thermal conductive materials by optimizing impedance through heterogeneous interfaces.

Exploring Rb2YCuCl6 and Cs2YCuCl6 double perovskites: Structural, electronic, optical, elastic, and thermoelectric properties via density functional theory

Double perovskites have gathered momentous attention due to their structural, optoelectronics, and thermal properties. FP-LAPW + lo technique was employed along with the PBEsol-GGA and TB-mBJ potential. The optimized parameters and E-V parabolic curve were computed employing Birch Murnaghan's equation of state (BM-EOS). The negative formation energy Ef for Rb2YCuCl6 and Cs2YCuCl6 confirms the thermodynamic stability of these double perovskites. The mechanical stability of both compounds was confirmed by their elastic constants Cij, Pugh's ratio, and anisotropy. The indirect band plots of Rb2YCuCl6 (2.57eV) and Cs2YCuCl6 (2.39eV) double perovskites confirm the semiconductor nature. The optical properties like dielectric function, reflectivity, optical conductivity, absorption coefficient, and energy loss function were determined within an energy range of up to 18 eV. The high absorption spectra for the under-study compounds 147.21 × 104 cm−1 at 14.60 eV for Rb2YCuCl6 and 261.30 × 104 cm−1 at 15.57 eV for Cs2YCuCl6 lies in the far UV region determines its potential use in the high-frequency devices. The thermoelectric properties such as the Seebeck coefficient, ZT, and power factor, are investigated using the semi-classical Boltzmann theory implemented in the BoltzTrap code. The peak value of ZT for Rb2YCuCl6 is 0.38 and for Cs2YCuCl6 is 0.33. The suggested findings indicate that Rb2YCuCl6 and Cs2YCuCl6 are potential candidates for thermoelectric and photovoltaic applications.

Multifunctional carbon Fiber@TiO2/C aerogels derived from MXene for pressure tunable microwave absorption

Developing microwave absorption (MA) materials with dynamically tunable performance stands as a pivotal endeavor to fulfill the escalating demands of electronic devices and military equipment in complex electromagnetic environments. This study presents advanced hierarchical CF@TiO2/C aerogels with pressure tunable MA performance, engineered through a novel in-situ oxidation process of MXene on carbon fiber (CF) substrates. This process facilitates the formation of a two-dimensional (2D) TiO2/C hybrid layer, which significantly enhances the polarization loss capabilities of the aerogels while maintaining excellent mechanical resilience. The unique architecture of these aerogels facilitates the modulation of their electrical conductivity and permittivity via pressure, thus enabling dynamically adjustable MA performance. Upon compression (50 %), the CF@TiO2/C aerogels showcase an outstanding effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 7.84 GHz, accompanied by a remarkable minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of −74.38 dB. Notably, the EAB of CF@TiO2/C aerogels can be precisely tuned from 4 to 18 GHz (covering the C-band, X-band, and Ku-band), with maximum changes in RLmin values (ΔRLmin) reaching as high as 59.30 dB, indicating substantial tunability under varying pressure. Moreover, the CF@TiO2/C aerogels also demonstrate outstanding thermal insulation and pressure sensing performance, highlighting their potential for multifunctional applications. This research not only sheds light on the intricate interplay between nanostructured materials and electromagnetic waves interactions but also sets a new strategy for the design of multifunctional, tunable microwave absorbers suitable for complex electromagnetic environments in modern electronic and military applications.

Integration of carbon microsheets and helical carbon nanocoils for efficient microwave absorption

The integration of multi-dimensional materials is a powerful approach for the construction of high-performance microwave absorbers. In this work, 2D-like carbon microsheets (CMSs) have been directly synthesized on the surfaces of 3D helical carbon nanocoils (CNCs) through a Cu catalyzed chemical vapor deposition process. The junctions formed between CMSs and CNCs create numerous polarization sites, which enhances interfacial polarization. The planar morphology of CMSs is beneficial to enhance the multiple scattering of microwave, while the 3D helical CNCs prevent the aggregation of 2D-like CMSs and simultaneously enhance the conductive loss and cross-polarization loss. By controlling the growth time, the morphologies of CMS are precisely tailored and their impedance matching is adjusted. Consequently, CMS/CNC demonstrates exceptional microwave absorption (MA) performance with a broad effective bandwidth of 6.5 GHz and a minimum reflection loss of −39.3 dB at a remarkably low filling ratio of 4 wt%. This study provides a novel multi-dimensional integrated structure for efficient MA.

Stochastic Assessment of Predictions and Uncertainties for Reflectance Losses Based on Experimental Data for Three Australian Sites

A stochastic reflectance loss model is applied to extended datasets of experimental data collected at three sites in Australia, each representative of a different environment: urban, rural, and remote outback. The three sites are analysed in terms of TSP (Total Suspended Particles) or PM10 (Particulate Matter below 10µm in diameter), depending on the available dust sampler deployed at each location. Assessment of seasonal and daily patterns are also performed for further understanding of local phenomena likely to affect soiling in the area. Airborne dust concentration data are exploited to provide density distributions of expected daily reflectance losses. These mean losses for the three sites are 0.31 pp/day, 0.72 pp/day, and 0.77pp/day for the outback, rural, and urban location, respectively. These values and their distributions are paramount for evaluation of a prospective plant profitability, planning for operating plants cleaning scheduling, and assessment of a prospective CSP location at site selection phase. The developed methodology is capable of providing highly valuable information based on easily measurable airborne dust concentration data only, hence becoming a critical step for de-risking CSP plants financing and deployment.