Superior Microwave Absorption Research Articles

Coupled multiple heterogeneous interfaces lychee-like FeSiAl@C@SiO2@BTA for self-healing corrosion protection and enhanced microwave absorption

Corrosion-resistant ferromagnetic absorbers (FMAs) with self-healing properties are crucial for enhancing their durability under harsh conditions. Herein, we fabricated lychee-like FeSiAl (FSA)@C@SiO2@1H-Benzotriazol (BTA) coupled with multiple heterogeneous interfaces by coating FSA with a C@SiO2@BTA layer using sol-gel, thermal reduction, and molecular encapsulation techniques. The FSA@C@SiO2@BTA showed superior microwave absorption (MA) performance than FSA, with a widest absorption bandwidth of 10.44 GHz at 1.98 mm and a maximum reflection loss of −57.81 dB at 2.98 mm. The enhanced MA performance was due to the better impedance matching and the synergistic effects of interfacial and dipole polarization induced by the C@SiO2@BTA layer. Moreover, the FSA@C@SiO2@BTA exhibited a remarkable corrosion resistance, with a corrosion rate of 3.28 × 10−10 m/s, which was two orders of magnitude lower than that of FSA, and a corrosion protection efficiency of 99.0 %. The epoxy resin coating containing FSA@C@SiO2@BTA also demonstrated a self-healing ability within 5 min after being damaged mechanically. This study presents a novel model that integrates MA, corrosion resistance, and self-healing, heralding new avenues for developing corrosion-resistant FMAs in marine applications.

Facile synthesis of hierarchical Fe–S co-doped carbon-based composites with superior microwave absorption

Difficulty of multi-component coupling and hierarchical pore structure preparation make it challenging to manufacture highly efficient microwave absorption materials (MAMs). Herein, hierarchical porous carbon composites anchored with various types of iron sulfides are successfully fabricated using a simply feasible heating-induced self-assembly approach. Controllable electromagnetic parameters and impedance matching features of FexSy/AC (amorphous carbon) composites are obtained by varying carbonization temperature. Besides, AC and FexSy provide dielectric and magnetic losses, while defect-rich AC can effectively disperse FexSy nanoparticles, exhibiting high sintering resistance and high-density interfaces, which contributes to polarization losses. Moreover, the unique hierarchical porous structure not only offers better impedance matching, but also enhances microwave loss. The thorough investigation indicates that FexSy/AC nanocomposites exhibit outstanding microwave absorption performance by the joint effect of unique hierarchical porous structure and coupling loss of multi-components. The optimal sample (FSC-700) shows a strongest reflection loss value of up to −78.96 dB with a matching thickness of 2.85 mm, an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB, RL<−10 dB) of 6.98 GHz (11.02–18.0 GHz, spanning Ku-band), and a radar cross section (RCS) reduction value of 21.75 dBm2. In addition, the EAB can reach 13.8 GHz with the simulated thickness varies from 1.0 to 5.5 mm, covering 86 % of the measured frequency range. The in-depth research of the multi-component system with hierarchical porous structure offers an innovative and practical method for high-performance MAMs.

Construction of chiral magnetic structure with enhancement in magnetic coupling for efficient Low-Frequency microwave absorption

Construction of chiral magnetic structure is considered as a promising strategy to achieve efficient low frequency microwave absorption. However, it is not clear that how the magnetic loss is enhanced by the chiral morphology. Herein, a novel chiral magnetic structure containing FeCo2O4-FeCo nanosheets has been constructed by using helical carbon nanocoils (CNCs) as the chiral template. For comparison, the FeCo2O4-FeCo nanosheets are also combined with the linear carbon nanofibers (CNFs). The enhanced magnetic coupling between FeCo2O4-FeCo nanosheets and the magnetic anisotropy induced by the chiral structure are confirmed by the off-axis electron holography and the micro-magnetic simulation. Due to the synergistic effect between chirality, magnetism, and dielectricity, the chiral magnetic structure exhibits superior microwave absorption performance than the linear one with a wide effective bandwidth of 7.1 GHz at an ultra-low filling ratio of 8 %. Meanwhile, the minimum RL value of −60.7 dB is achieved at low frequency (6 GHz). This study provides further evidence of the special mechanisms of the chiral structure for microwave absorption.

Rationally controlling interfaces and oxygen vacancies of CeO2@C core–shell nanorods/nanofibers for superior microwave absorption and thermal conduction

High-performance thermally conductive-microwave absorbing integrated materials are highly required to mitigate the severe electromagnetic pollution and overheating generated in electronic devices. However, the incompatibility between thermal conduction and microwave absorption impedes their collaborative development. Herein, an adjustment strategy for interface- and oxygen-vacancy-linkage was adopted to rationally construct CeO2@C core–shell nanorods/nanofibers (CSNRs/NFs) and cooperatively boost their electrical, thermal, and microwave absorption properties. A hydrothermal-annealing technique was employed to synthesize CeO2@C CSNRs/NFs. Their core–shell structure, oxygen vacancies/lattice defects, and length-to-diameter ratio were accurately adjusted by changing the annealed temperature (Ta) and toluene volume (V). The CeO2@C CSNRs/NFs produced under Ta = 600 °C and V = 1.5 mL exhibit high thermal conductivity (TC = 2.94 W/(m·K)) at a small load of 40 wt%. The large TC is mainly due to the weak phonon defect/interface scattering and electron/phonon co-transfer in a 3D continuous path consisting of a 1D structure. Furthermore, the CeO2@C CSNRs/NFs display strong microwave absorption (EABmax/d = 3.27 GHz/mm; RLmin=− 50.98 dB) due to their various polarizations, tunable conduction loss, and multiple internal reflections. These results demonstrate that the CeO2@C CSNR/NFs are an ideal multifunctional material that protects against concurrent EM interference and excess heat in electronic packaging materials.

Well-Dispersed CoNiO2 Nanosheet/CoNi Nanocrystal Arrays Anchored onto Monolayer MXene for Superior Electromagnetic Absorption at Low Frequencies

Developing microwave absorbers with superior low-frequency electromagnetic wave absorption properties is one of the foremost important factors driving the boom in 5G technology development. In this study, via a simple hydrothermal and pyrolysis strategy, randomly interleaved CoNiO2 nanosheets and uniformly ultrafine CoNi nanocrystals are anchored onto both sides of a single-layered MXene. The absorption mechanism demonstrated that the hierarchical heterostructure prevents the aggregation of MXene nanoflakes and magnetic crystallites. In addition, the introduction of the double-magnetic phase of CoNiO2/CoNi arrays can not only enhance the magnetic loss capacity but also generate larger void spaces and abundant heterogeneous interfaces, collectively promoting impedance-matching and furthering microwave attenuation capabilities at a low frequency. Hence, the reflection loss of the optimal absorber (M–MCNO) is −45.33 dB at 3.24 GHz, which corresponds to a matching thickness of 5.0 mm. Moreover, its EAB can entirely cover the S-band and C-band by tailoring the matching thickness from 2 to 7 mm. Satellite radar cross-section (RCS) simulations demonstrated that the M–MCNO can reduce the RCS value to below −10 dB m2 over a multi-angle range. Thus, the proposed hybrid absorber is of great significance for the development of magnetized MXene composites with superior low-frequency microwave absorption properties.

Construction of ZIF/CS and ZIF/CS-derivatives with high-efficiency adsorption for dyes/antibiotics and strong microwave absorption performance

Bimetallic Zn/Co-ZIF was in situ loaded onto the surface of chitosan (CS) to form ZIF/CS composites with high-efficiency adsorption of antibiotics (tetracycline (TC)) and dyes (Congo Red (CR), Malachite Green (MG)). The particle size and surface roughness of Zn/Co-ZIF can be effectively adjusted by changing the mass ratio of Zn and Co in ZIF, which helps to regulate the adsorption active sites on the surface of the composites. Meanwhile, the introduction of CS changes the pore structure of the composites, making the molecules of TC, CR and MG easily enter into the pores of ZIF/CS. When the mass ratio of Zn to Co is 1:1, the ZIF/CS composite has the optimal adsorption performance with the ultra-high adsorption capacity qm of 781.3, 1644.2 and 3243.6 mg g−1 for TC, CR and MG, respectively. Impressively, the ZIF/CS-derivative (ZC3–700) from sample ZC3 after calcination at 700 °C under N2 atmosphere owns a good conductive network, which results in its superior microwave absorption performance. Herein, at 30 wt% filler loading, the effective absorption bandwidth and RLmin of ZC3–700 reach 5.28 GHz at 1.90 mm and −68.92 dB at 1.83 mm, respectively. Analyses on microwave absorption mechanism point out the synergistic effect of conduction loss, dipolar polarization and interfacial polarization and magnetic loss on the attenuation of electromagnetic wave. Therefore, ZIF/CS composites and ZIF/CS-derivatives exhibit superior performance on the removal of water pollutants and the absorption of electromagnetic wave, which essentially reveals a multifunctional application of the ZIF/CS composites in the field of environmental protect.

Ultralight Three-Layer Gradient-Structured MXene/ Reduced Graphene Oxide Composite Aerogels with Broadband Microwave Absorption and Dynamic Infrared Camouflage.

Infrared and radar detectors posed substantial challenges to weapon equipment and personnel due to their continuous surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. Traditional single-band stealth devices are insufficient for dual-band detection in both infrared and microwave bands. To overcome this limitation, a gradient-structured MXene/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composite aerogel (GMXrGA) is fabricated through a two-step bidirectional freeze casting process, followed by freeze-drying and thermal annealing. GMXrGAexhibits a distinct three-layered structure, with each layer playing a crucial role in microwave absorption. This deliberate design amplifies both the efficiency of microwave absorption and the material's effectiveness in dynamic infrared camouflage. GMXrGA displays an ultralow density of 5.2 mg∙cm-3 and demonstrates exceptional resistance to compression, enduring 200 cycles at a maximum strain of 80%. Moreover, it shows superior microwave absorption performance, with a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of -60.1dB at a broad effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 14.1GHz (3.9-18.0GHz). Additionally, the aerogel exhibits low thermal conductivity (≈26 mW∙m-1∙K-1) and displays dynamic infrared camouflage capabilities within the temperature range of 50-120°C, achieving rapid concealment within 30 s. Consequently, they hold great potential for diverse applications, including intelligent buildings, wearable electronics, and weapon equipment.

A three-dimensional BaFe11.6(ZrSm)0.2O19/rGO composite aerogel with superior microwave absorption properties

The combination of dielectric and magnetic materials can significantly improve microwave absorption properties. In this work, we introduce a novel Zr–Sm doped barium ferrite BaFe11.6(ZrSm)0.2O19, which is compounded with rGO aerogel and presents superior microwave absorption properties. The results show that the BaFe11.6(ZrSm)0.2O19/rGO composite aerogel exhibits a unique three-dimensional porous network structure which enhances the reflection and scattering of electromagnetic waves. Meanwhile, the addition of BaFe11.6(ZrSm)0.2O19 abounds the folds and defects on the surface of rGO sheet layer, generating a large amount of polarisation and relaxation. In addition, with the increase of BaFe11.6(ZrSm)0.2O19 content, the permeability gradually increases, while the dielectric constant gradually decreases. At a certain content, both of them can be well balanced to obtain high attenuation constants and great impedance matching, which regulates the wave-absorbing properties of the material. The minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of BaFe11.6(ZrSm)0.2O19/rGO composite aerogel can reach −53.17 dB at a matching thickness of 2.9 mm, and the absorption bandwidth reaches 7.04 GHz, which has been improved by 40% than pure BaFe11.6(ZrSm)0.2O19. Therefore, it is expected to be a candidate for lightweight, thin, high loss, large bandwidth microwave absorbing materials.

Superior microwave absorption properties of anisotropic Y2Fe16‒xCoxSi/paraffin composites by orientation tuning

Y2Fe16-xCoxSi/paraffin composites were prepared by three different orientation methods. The effect of these orientation methods and the magnetocrystalline anisotropy of Y2Fe16‒xCoxSi alloys on the electromagnetic parameters and the microwave absorption properties were investigated. The results demonstrated that orientation tuning improved the electromagnetic parameters and microwave absorption properties. Anisotropy in dielectric properties and magnetic properties of Y2Fe16-xCoxSi/paraffin composites were achieved by tuning the orientation of Y2Fe16-xCoxSi powders. The planar and conical anisotropic materials had superior microwave absorption properties than uniaxial anisotropic materials for the same orientation method. The Y2Fe16‒xCoxSi/paraffin composite had an effective absorption bandwidth of 8.4 GHz (9.6–18 GHz) and a reflection loss of ‒59.6 dB which can almost cover the X–Ku bands and exceed the performance of many reported absorbing materials, showing its great prospects for microwave absorption in the X–Ku bands.

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.

Superior microwave absorption properties of carbon-coated FeSiCr micro flakes

Carbon-coated ferromagnetic alloys can protect from microwave radiation due to their tunable electromagnetic parameters and multiple loss mechanisms. We prepared carbon-coated flaky FeSiCr (FFSC@C) powders by the encapsulation and thermal decomposition of epoxy resin. The crystallization degree and thickness of carbon coating were tuned to optimize the microwave absorption of FFSC@C. The phase composition, morphology, magnetic properties, electromagnetic parameters, and microwave absorption properties of FFSC@C were comprehensively investigated. The oriented flaky FeSiCr possessed strong attenuation capacity, the amorphous carbon improved the impedance matching of flaky FeSiCr. The sample carbonized at 500 ℃, with the epoxy addition amount of 45 wt% exhibited a broad effective absorption bandwidth of 5.60 GHz at a thickness of 2.4 mm. Compared with other absorbents, the FFSC@C exhibited stronger absorption capacity at a lower thickness and filler loading in the X-band (8−12 GHz). This work demonstrated the facile fabrication of a high-performance carbon-coated ferromagnetic microwave absorber.

Compositional design of C-coated multi-elemental alloy nanoparticles for superior microwave absorption

Exploring improved electromagnetic wave absorption performance in magnetic components involves capitalizing on dual dielectric relaxation and multiple magnetic resonances, ultimately giving rise to a dielectric-magnetic matching effect. Herein, a one-step Metal-organic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD) method has been utilized to fabricate C-coated ternary and quaternary alloy nanoparticles (FeCoNi, FeCoNiCu, FeCoNiMg, and FeCoNiMn) with tunable magnetization. The results affirm that the capabilities of impedance matching and electromagnetic wave attenuation can be significantly regulated by compositing nanoparticles with different elements. The optimized C-coated FeCoNiMg nanoparticles demonstrate an exceptional capacity for electromagnetic wave attenuation, achieving a reflection loss value of −51.8 dB at a matched thickness of 2.9 mm. Moreover, the absorption bandwidth significantly broadens to 7.60 GHz (10.4 – 18.0 GHz) with a thickness of 2.7 mm. The exceptional performance in electromagnetic attenuation is credited to the dielectric loss and improved impedance matching characteristics induced by the C-coated FeCoNiMg nanoparticles. The findings from this study will be beneficial in the development of lightweight and highly effective electromagnetic wave absorbers using magnetic alloy nanoparticles.

Core-shell designed high entropy alloy CoNiFeCuV-C nanoparticles for enhanced microwave absorption

The widespread interest in high entropy alloy nanostructures stems from their potential utilization in a variety of technological and scientific fields. This study presents an innovative approach employing a one-step metal organic chemical vapor deposition to synthesize quinary high entropy alloy (CoNiFeCuV-C) core-shell nanoparticles designed for microwave absorption applications. Superior microwave absorption performance is attained through the optimization of conduction loss via thermal treatment, coupled with the interfacial polarization across the interfaces between CoNiFeCuV cores and C shell. The paraffin composite filled with an optimal 20% content of CoNiFeCuV-C core-shell nanoparticles demonstrates a minimal reflection loss (RLmin) of −51.8 dB at 13.76 GHz, achieving this performance with a thickness of 2.2 mm. Moreover, the absorbing bandwidth spans 7.44 GHz at a thickness of 2.4 mm. The outstanding accomplishments underscore the potential of utilizing CoNiFeCuV-C core-shell nanoparticles as a promising choice for lightweight, effective microwave absorber material.

Temperature-Dependent NiFeAl catalysts for efficient microwave-assisted catalytic pyrolysis of polyethylene into value-added hydrogen and carbon nanotubes

Polyolefins, comprising the majority of disposable plastics, face challenges in catalytic upcycling due to their inert saturated C(sp3)-C(sp3) bonds. This work demonstrates microwave-assisted catalytic pyrolysis, demonstrating the direct conversion of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) into valuable H2 and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) over a porous ternary NiFeAl-T composite catalyst that serve as a microwave absorber. Optimizing the calcination temperature promoted metal nanoparticle dispersion, leading to enhanced catalytic performance. Specifically, lower temperatures favored metal–metal interactions, inducing porous architectures with superior microwave absorption and energy dissipation capabilities. This facilitated cleavage of C–C and C–H bonds in LDPE during microwave irradiation. An optimal NiFeAl-450 catalyst achieved a maximum H2 yield of 60.5 mmol gLDPE-1, with an H2 concentration of 85.1 vol% in gas products, alongside high-value MWCNTs. Moreover, successive recycling test displayed stable H2 and MWCNTs yields from LDPE. This work elucidates a promising pathway for upcycling plastic waste via microwave-assisted catalytic pyrolysis.

Surface modification by CO2 plasma boosting core shells structural Fe/Fe3C/FeN @ graphite carbon nanoparticles toward high performance microwave absorber

The surface modification of three-dimensional (3D) materials is an efficient method for adjusting their interfacial defect concentration, electronic conductivity and content of functional groups with extensive applications in catalysis, electrode materials and bioengineering. In this work, a multiphase iron nanocrystals consisting of Fe3C, Fe and FeN nanoparticles encapsulated in hierarchical structure of graphite carbon (denoted as Fe/Fe3C/FeN@GC) is synthesized for the first time by a novel high temperature plasma method. Meanwhile, more defects and functional groups are introduced by surface modification of graphite carbon layer of Fe/Fe3C/FeN@GC with controllable CO2 (low temperature) plasma. Benefiting from the advantages of multiple heterogenous interface and the abundant interfacial polarization relaxation that represent strong electromagnetic (EM) wave dissipation as well as an applicable impedance matching, the optimized Fe/Fe3C/FeN@GC demonstrate superior microwave absorption (MA) properties. The minimum reflection loss (RL) achieves −54.4 dB (more than 99.9% MA) at 17.6 GHz with a thin thickness of 1.8 mm, and the maximum effective absorption bandwidth (EAB, RL < −10 dB) is up to 6.2 GHz (11.8–18.0 GHz) at 2.0 mm. The above results reveal that the optimized Fe/Fe3C/FeN@GC composites with strong absorption, broad EAB, light mass (only filling content of 30 wt%) and ultrathin thickness are prospective candidate for high performance EM wave absorbers.

Advanced multifunctional Co/N co-doped carbon foam-based phase change materials for wearable thermal management

To cope with the complex and changeable extreme environments, extending multifunctionality is crucial for potable smart wearable composite phase change materials (PCMs). Herein, we developed advanced Co/N co-doped carbon foam-based multifunctional “five-in-one” composite PCMs integrating dual-temperature thermal management, light-triggered heating, waterproof, flame retardant, and microwave absorption through high-temperature calcination of melamine foam@ZIF67 and melting encapsulation of paraffin wax (PW). Benefiting from the strong full-spectrum absorption, fast photon and phonon transport, and local surface plasmon resonance effect, our designed foam-based composite PCMs exhibited an ultrahigh photothermal conversion efficiency of 95.17 %. More importantly, foam-based composite PCMs demonstrated excellent thermal management, structural stability and thermal storage stability after undergoing 300 heating–cooling cycles. Furthermore, foam-based composite PCMs showed superior microwave absorption (RLmin = -57.93 dB), good flame retardancy and satisfactory hydrophobicity (contact angle > 100°). Thus, our developed multifunctional foam-based composite PCMs provide great potential for personalized thermal management and anti-radiation smart wearables even in harsh environments (e.g., rain, snow, sweat, fire, extreme cold, extreme heat and electromagnetic interference), creating a versatile platform for smart wearable light-triggered phase change heater with on-demand properties.

Morphology-tailored microwave absorption in MOF-derived Co9S8/Co@N, S dual-doped carbon composites via ligand-exchange induced progressive hollow engineering

Flexible manipulations of morphology and composition have been considered as an art to achieve excellent microwave absorption performance for absorbers derived from metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). In this work, a strategy combining ligand-exchange induced hollow engineering and high-temperature one-step sulfuration has been proposed to fabricate the Co9S8/Co@N, S dual-doped carbon-based absorbers with tailored solid, yolk-shelled and entirely hollow polyhedral morphologies. The progressive hollow engineering not only enables composition control in the sulfuration process, but also endows the proposed absorbers with superior microwave absorption capacity due to the enhanced conductivity loss and Maxwell-Wagner polarization as well as optimized impedance matching. The yolk-shelled Co9S8/Co@N, S dual-doped carbon-based composite achieves a broad effective absorption bandwidth of 5.13 GHz at 1.88 mm with 20 wt% loading and realizes a minimum microwave loss of − 51.78 dB @ 11.63 GHz with 2.37 mm. This work reveals that the joint strategy of ligand-exchange induced hollow engineering and gas-solid reactive thermal process is an effective path to construct high-efficient lightweight multi-interfacial microwave absorbers for addressing the electromagnetic pollutions.

Design and high efficient construction of bilayer NiCoO2/Poly(1-NA-co-oT) nanocomposite absorber for X-band stealth applications

In this study, we have synthesized poly(1-NA-co-oT) and sphere-like NiCoO2 nanomaterials and then samples-with-layers were prepared to examine microwave absorption properties. For mono-layer, NiCoO2 exhibits superior microwave absorption capabilities than poly(1-NA-co-oT) sample. And for the bilayer sample, different samples were prepared with different layer thicknesses having poly(1-NA-co-oT) layer on top and NiCoO2 as base layer. The optimal bilayer sample having 1-mm thickness of each layer had excellent microwave absorption characteristics; indicating achieving a significant level of absorption necessitates a careful equilibrium between dielectric and magnetic loss. Additionally, best bilayer specimen has excellent absorption characteristics, as shown by its minimum reflection loss (RLmini) of −36 dB and effective absorption bandwidth of 3.5 GHz. Simulated and experimental findings of the bilayer optimal sample were compared and they were in accordance. The aforementioned results indicate a potential shift in the future creation of microwave-absorbing materials.

One-step in-situ preparation of C/TiO2@rGO aerogel derived from Ti3C2Tx MXene for integrating microwave absorption, electromagnetic interference shielding and catalytic degradation of antibiotics

The worsening electromagnetic radiation and water pollution are severely threatening people's living environment. Developing multifunctional nanomaterials to reduce the electromagnetic radiation and remove the pollutants from the aqueous solutions is attracting wide interest in the field of environmental protection. Now, a multifunctional C/TiO2@reduced graphene oxide (rGO) aerogel integrating microwave absorption, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and photocatalytic degradation is prepared by one-step in-situ preparation derived from Ti3C2Tx MXene. As expected, the composite exhibits excellent microwave absorption performance at an ultra-low filler loading ratio of 3 wt% with minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of −60.24 dB and effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 6.16 GHz. It is demonstrated that the superior microwave absorption behavior is attributed to the unique interfacial construction and porous structure as well as the synergistic effect of enhanced dielectric loss and good impedance matching. Impressively, the as-obtained samples also display a superior EMI shielding efficiency of 52.63 dB and high photocatalytic degradation efficiencies of 96.5 % and 91.6 % for antibiotic tetracycline (TC) and oxytetracycline (OTC), respectively, which reveals its multiple utility essence. Consequently, this work provides a promising multifunctional material for integrated environmental applications and offers an innovative solution to current environmental problems.

Linkage Effect Induced by Hierarchical Architecture in Magnetic MXene-based Microwave Absorber.

Hierarchical architecture engineering is desirable in integrating the physical-chemical behaviors and macroscopic properties of materials, which present great potential for developing multifunctional microwave absorption materials. However, the intrinsic mechanisms and correlation conditions among cellular units have not been revealed, which are insufficient to maximize the fusion of superior microwave absorption (MA) and derived multifunctionality. Herein, based on three models (disordered structure, porous structure, lamellar structure) of structural units, a range of MXene-aerogels with variable constructions are fabricated by a top-down ice template method. The aerogel with lamellar structure with a density of only 0.015g cm-3 exhibits the best MA performance (minimum reflection loss: -53.87dB, effective absorption bandwidth:6.84GHz) at a 6wt.% filling ratio, which is preferred over alternative aerogels with variable configurations. This work elucidates the relationship between the hierarchical architecture and the superior MA performance. Further, the MXene/CoNi Composite aerogel with lamellar structure exhibits >90% compression stretch after 1000 cycles, excellent compressive properties, and elasticity, as well as high hydrophobicity and thermal insulation properties, broadening the versatility of MXene-based aerogel applications. In short, through precise microstructure design, this work provides a conceptually novel strategy to realize the integration of electromagnetic stealth, thermal insulation, and load-bearing capability simultaneously.