Magnetized MXene Microspheres with Multiscale Magnetic Coupling and Enhanced Polarized Interfaces for Distinct Microwave Absorption via a Spray-Drying Method

Constructing MXene-based mixed-dimensional structure with multiple interfaces to optimize dielectric-magnetic synergistic effect for effective electromagnetic wave absorption

Exploring efficient microwave absorbing materials (MAMs) which could convert electromagnetic (EM) energy into thermal energy represents an approbatory vision to reducing EM radiation and interference. Designing of mixed-dimensional structure with multiple interfaces represents the available target to investigate an ideal MAMs, which maximizes the superiority of mixed-dimensional structure in electromagnetic wave absorption (EMWA). Herein, we take full advantage of multiple interfaces engineering of MXene for optimizing the impedance matching to improve EMWA, MXene-based mixed-dimensional structure was designed by incorporating three-dimensional Fe3C@Carbon layers coated zero-dimensional Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) supported two-dimensional MXene nanosheets (MXene/Fe3O4@Fe3C@Carbon, MFC). The Fe3O4@Fe3C@C with Core@shell structure arrests the essentially self-restacked of MXene and provides various attenuation mechanisms for the incident electromagnetic waves (EMWs). By regulating the carbonization temperature, the MFC exhibits enhanced EMWA property which is attributed to the characteristic structure and optimized dielectric-magnetic synergy effect. The minimum reflection loss (RLmin) value of MFC can reach to -64.3 dB with a matching thickness of 1.73 mm. Otherwise, the maximum effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) (RLmin < -10 dB) reaches 6.42 GHz at only 1.5 mm. Thus, our study refers a novel-fire enlighten to develop excellent mixed-dimensional microwave absorbent based on MXene.

Multi-Scale MXene/Silver Nanowire Composite Foams with Double Conductive Networks for Multifunctional Integration

With the onset of the 5G era, wearable flexible electronic devices have developed rapidly and gradually entered the daily life of people. However, the vast majority of research focuses on the integration of functions and performance improvement, while ignoring electromagnetic hazards caused by devices. Herein, the 3D double conductive networks are constructed through a repetitive vacuum-assisted dip-coating technique to decorate the 2D MXene and 1D silver nanowires on the melamine foam. Benefiting from the unique porous structure and multi-scale interconnected frame, the resultant composite foam exhibited high electrical conductivity, low density, superb electromagnetic interference shielding (48.32 dB), and Joule heating performance (up to 90.8 °C under 0.8 V). Furthermore, a single-electrode triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) with powerful energy harvesting capability is assembled by combining the composite foam with an ultra-thin Ecoflex film and a polyvinylidene fluoride film. Simultaneously, the foam-based TENG can also be considered a reliable wearable sensor for monitoring activity patterns in different parts of the human body. The versatility and scalable manufacturing of high-performance composite foams will provide new design ideas for the development of next-generation flexible wearable devices.

Enhanced magnetic susceptibility in Ti3C2Tx MXene with Co and Ni incorporation

Magnetic nanomaterials are sought to provide new functionalities for applications ranging from information processing and storage to energy generation and biomedical imaging. MXenes are a rapidly growing family of two-dimensional transition metal carbides and nitrides with versatile chemical and structural diversity, resulting in a variety of interesting electronic and optical properties. However, strategies for producing MXenes with tailored magnetic responses remain underdeveloped and challenging. Herein, we incorporate elemental Ni and Co into Ti3C2Tx MXene by mixing with dilute metal chloride solutions. We achieve a uniform distribution of Ni and Co, confirmed by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) mapping with nanometer resolution, with Ni and Co concentrations of approximately 2 and 7 at% relative to the Ti concentration. The magnetic susceptibility of these Ni- and Co-incorporated Ti3C2Tx MXenes is one to two orders of magnitude larger than pristine Ti3C2Tx, illustrating the potential for dilute metal incorporation to enhance linear magnetic responses at room temperature.

Integration of Magnetic-Field-Directed Self-Assembly-Based Cell Culture and Biosensing Platform for Improving hPSCs-Derived Neurons and Quantitative Detection of Neurotransmitter

Despite the fact that human neural cell models have played significant roles in both research and cell replacement therapies for neurological diseases, the existing techniques for obtaining neurons from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are arduous and intricate. Additionally, the evaluation of neuron quality in the natural environment remains deficient. Consequently, we have developed a comprehensive platform utilizing magnetic-field-directed self-assembly (MDSA) of MXenes@Fe3O4 (M/F) nanocomposites. This platform facilitates the cultivation and in situ analysis of differentiated dopaminergic (DA) neurons. Our results showed that the introduction of M/F enhances neurite outgrowth and leads to the development of more intricate ramifications. Moreover, with the increase of magnetic field intensity, neurite outgrowth is further enhanced, and the proportion of differentiated mature neurons from hPSCs increases. This suggests that our platform promotes the maturation of neurons, emphasizing the crucial role of biophysical cues in expediting the differentiation process. The homogenization platform formed by MDSA of M/F nanocomposites exhibits high conductivity, leading to its exceptional performance in the real-time monitoring of the release of dopamine neurotransmitter from hPSC-derived DA neurons. Hence, this platform demonstrates significant potential for monitoring cell quality. In conclusion, our integrated platform, based on MDSA of M/F nanocomposites, offers a reliable and efficient means for the in vitro generation of human neurons with a controllable quality. The as-prepared platform holds potential for enhancing neuronal maturation and ensuring consistent cell quality, showing significant implications for in vitro biological research, disease modeling, and cell replacement therapy.

Carbon-Based Radar Absorbing Materials toward Stealth Technologies

Stealth technology is used to enhance the survival of military equipment in the field of military surveillance, as it utilizes a combination of techniques to render itself undetectable by enemy radar systems. Radar absorbing materials (RAMs) are specialized materials used to reduce the reflection (or absorption) of radar signals to provide stealth capability, which is a core component of passive countermeasures in military applications. The properties of RAMs can be optimized by adjusting their composition, microstructure, and surface geometry. Carbon-based materials present a promising approach for the fabrication of ultrathin, versatile, and high-performance RAMs due to their large specific surface area, lightweight, excellent dielectric properties, high electrical conductivity, and stability under harsh conditions. This review begins with a brief history of stealth technology and an introduction to electromagnetic waves, radar systems, and radar absorbing materials. This is followed by a discussion of recent research progress in carbon-based RAMs, including carbon blacks, carbon fibers, carbon nanotubes, graphite, graphene, and MXene, along with an in-depth examination of the principles and strategies on electromagnetic attenuation characteristics. Hope this review will offer fresh perspectives on the design and fabrication of carbon-based RAMs, thereby fostering a deeper fundamental understanding and promoting practical applications.

Electrostatic self-assembly sandwich-like 2D/2D NiFe-LDH/MXene heterostructure for strong microwave absorption

MXene has great application potential in electromagnetic (EM) wave absorbers because of its high attenuation ability; however, self-stacking and excessively high conductivity are major obstacles to its widespread use. To address these issues, a NiFe layered double hydroxide (LDH)/ MXene composite with two-dimensional (2D)/2D sandwich-like heterostructure was constructed through electrostatic self-assembly. The NiFe-LDH not only acts as an intercalator to prevent self-stacking of the MXene nanosheets, but also serves as a low-dielectric choke valve to optimize impedance matching. At a thickness of 2 mm and filler loading of 20 wt%, the minimum reflection loss (RL_min) value could reach -58.2 dB, and the absorption mechanism was analyzed based on multiple reflection, dipole/interfacial polarization, impedance matching, and synergy between dielectric and magnetic losses. Furthermore, the simulation of the radar cross section (RCS) further confirmed the efficient absorption properties and application prospects of the present material. Our work demonstrates that designing sandwich structures based on 2D MXene is an effective way to improve the performance of EM wave absorbers.

Boosting Interfacial Polarization Through Heterointerface Engineering in MXene/Graphene Intercalated-Based Microspheres for Electromagnetic Wave Absorption

Multi-layer 2D material assemblies provide a great number of interfaces beneficial for electromagnetic wave absorption. However, avoiding agglomeration and achieving layer-by-layer ordered intercalation remain challenging. Here, 3D reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/MXene/TiO2/Fe2C lightweight porous microspheres with periodical intercalated structures and pronounced interfacial effects were constructed by spray-freeze-drying and microwave irradiation based on the Maxwell-Wagner effect. Such approach reinforced interfacial effects via defects introduction, porous skeleton, multi-layer assembly and multi-component system, leading to synergistic loss mechanisms. The abundant 2D/2D/0D/0D intercalated heterojunctions in the microspheres provide a high density of polarization charges while generating abundant polarization sites, resulting in boosted interfacial polarization, which is verified by CST Microwave Studio simulations. By precisely tuning the 2D nanosheets intercalation in the heterostructures, both the polarization loss and impedance matching improve significantly. At a low filler loading of 5 wt%, the polarization loss rate exceeds 70%, and a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of -67.4 dB can be achieved. Moreover, radar cross-section simulations further confirm the attenuation ability of the optimized porous microspheres. These results not only provide novel insights into understanding and enhancing interfacial effects, but also constitute an attractive platform for implementing heterointerface engineering based on customized 2D hierarchical architectures.

Advances and mechanisms in polymer composites toward thermal conduction and electromagnetic wave absorption

Polymer composites have essential applications in electronics due to their versatility, stable performance, and processability. However, with the increasing miniaturization and high power of electronics in the 5G era, there are significant challenges related to heat accumulation and electromagnetic wave (EMW) radiation in narrow spaces. Traditional solutions involve using either thermally conductive or EMW absorbing polymer composites, but these fail to meet the demand for multi-functional integrated materials in electronics. Therefore, designing thermal conduction and EMW absorption integrated polymer composites has become essential to solve the problems of heat accumulation and electromagnetic pollution in electronics and adapt to its development trend. Researchers have developed different approaches to fabricate thermal conduction and EMW absorption integrated polymer composites, including integrating functional fillers with both thermal conduction and EMW absorption functions and innovating processing methods. This review summarizes the latest research progress, factors that affect performance, and the mechanisms of thermal conduction and EMW absorption integrated polymer composites. The review also discusses problems that limit the development of these composites and potential solutions and development directions. The aim of this review is to provide references for the development of thermal conduction and EMW absorption integrated polymer composites.

Multicomponent Nanoparticles Synergistic One-Dimensional Nanofibers as Heterostructure Absorbers for Tunable and Efficient Microwave Absorption

Application of novel radio technologies and equipment inevitably leads to electromagnetic pollution. One-dimensional polymer-based composite membrane structures have been shown to be an effective strategy to obtain high-performance microwave absorbers. Herein, we reported a one-dimensional N-doped carbon nanofibers material which encapsulated the hollow Co3SnC0.7 nanocubes in the fiber lumen by electrospinning. Space charge stacking formed between nanoparticles can be channeled by longitudinal fibrous structures. The dielectric constant of the fibers is highly related to the carbonization temperature, and the great impedance matching can be achieved by synergetic effect between Co3SnC0.7 and carbon network. At 800 °C, the necklace-like Co3SnC0.7/CNF with 5% low load achieves an excellent RL value of - 51.2 dB at 2.3 mm and the effective absorption bandwidth of 7.44 GHz with matching thickness of 2.5 mm. The multiple electromagnetic wave (EMW) reflections and interfacial polarization between the fibers and the fibers internal contribute a major effect to attenuating the EMW. These strategies for regulating electromagnetic performance can be expanded to other electromagnetic functional materials which facilitate the development of emerging absorbers.

Self-Assembly MXene-rGO/CoNi Film with Massive Continuous Heterointerfaces and Enhanced Magnetic Coupling for Superior Microwave Absorber

MXene, as a rising star of two-dimensional (2D) materials, has been widely applied in fields of microwave absorption and electromagnetic shielding to cope with the arrival of the 5G era. However, challenges arise due to the excessively high permittivity and the difficulty of surface modification of few-layered MXenes severely, which infect the microwave absorption performance. Herein, for the first time, a carefully designed and optimized electrostatic self-assembly strategy to fabricate magnetized MXene-rGO/CoNi film was reported. Inside the synthesized composite film, rGO nanosheets decorated with highly dispersed CoNi nanoparticles are interclacted into MXene layers, which effectively suppresses the originally self-restacked of MXene nanosheets, resulting in a reduction of high permittivity. In addition, owing to the strong magnetic coupling between the magnetic FeCo alloy nanoparticles on the rGO substrate, the entire MXene-rGO/CoNi film exhibits a strong magnetic loss capability. Moreover, the local dielectric polarized fields exist at the continuous hetero-interfaces between 2D MXene and rGO further improve the capacity of microwave loss. Hence, the synthesized composite film exhibits excellent microwave absorption property with a maximum reflection loss value of - 54.1 dB at 13.28 GHz. The electromagnetic synergy strategy is expected to guide future exploration of high-efficiency MXene-based microwave absorption materials.

Dimensional Design and Core-Shell Engineering of Nanomaterials for Electromagnetic Wave Absorption

Electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption materials possess exceptionally high EM energy loss efficiency. With vigorous developments in nanotechnology, such materials have exhibited numerous advanced EM functions, including radiation prevention and antiradar stealth. To achieve improved EM performance and multifunctionality, the elaborate control of microstructures has become an attractive research direction. By designing them as core-shell structures with different dimensions, the combined effects, such as interfacial polarization, conduction networks, magnetic coupling, and magnetic-dielectric synergy, can significantly enhance the EM wave absorption performance. Herein, the advances in low-dimensional core-shell EM wave absorption materials are outlined and a selection of the most remarkable examples is discussed. The derived key information regarding dimensional design, structural engineering, performance, and structure-function relationship are comprehensively summarized. Moreover, the investigation of the cutting-edge mechanisms is given particular attention. Additional applications, such as oxidation resistance and self-cleaning functions, are also introduced. Finally, insight into what may be expected from this rapidly expanding field and future challenges are presented.

Ni Flower/MXene-Melamine Foam Derived 3D Magnetic/Conductive Networks for Ultra-Efficient Microwave Absorption and Infrared Stealth

The development of multifunctional and efficient electromagnetic wave absorbing materials is a challenging research hotspot. Here, the magnetized Ni flower/MXene hybrids are successfully assembled on the surface of melamine foam (MF) through electrostatic self-assembly and dip-coating adsorption process, realizing the integration of microwave absorption, infrared stealth, and flame retardant. Remarkably, the Ni/MXene-MF achieves a minimum reflection loss (RL_min) of - 62.7 dB with a corresponding effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 6.24 GHz at 2 mm and an EAB of 6.88 GHz at 1.8 mm. Strong electromagnetic wave absorption is attributed to the three-dimensional magnetic/conductive networks, which provided excellent impedance matching, dielectric loss, magnetic loss, interface polarization, and multiple attenuations. In addition, the Ni/MXene-MF endows low density, excellent heat insulation, infrared stealth, and flame-retardant functions. This work provided a new development strategy for the design of multifunctional and efficient electromagnetic wave absorbing materials.

High-Density Anisotropy Magnetism Enhanced Microwave Absorption Performance in Ti3C2Tx MXene@Ni Microspheres

Two-dimensional materials, especially the newly emerging MXene, have attracted numerous interests in the fields of energy conversion/storage and electromagnetic shielding/absorption. However, the inherently inevitable aggregation and absence of magnetic loss of MXene considerably limit its electromagnetic absorption application. The introduction of magnetic component and favorable structural engineering are the alternatives to improve the microwave absorption (MA) performance. Herein, we report a spheroidization strategy to assemble double-shell MXene@Ni microspheres, where the commonly lamellar MXene are reshaped into three-dimensional microspheres that provide the substrate for oriented growth of Ni nanospikes. Whereas this structural feature offers massive accessible active surfaces that effectively promote the dielectric loss ability, the introduction of magnetic Ni nanospikes enables the additional magnetic loss capacity. Benefiting from these merits, the synthesized 3D MXene@Ni microspheres exhibit superior MA performance with the minimum reflection loss value of -59.6 dB at an ultrathin thickness (∼1.5 mm) and effective absorption bandwidth of 4.48 GHz. Moreover, the electron holography results reveal that the high-density anisotropy magnetism plays an important role in the improvement of MA performance, which provides an insight for the design of MXene-based materials as high-efficient microwave absorbers.

REMINDER: CrystEngComm - Invitation to submit an article Tunable electromagnetic properties of Ti3C2Tx/rGO foams decorated with NiO particles

Ti3C2Tx MXene-based composites are attractive for electromagnetic wave absorption (EMA) materials due to their high conductivity and abundant dipoles on the surface. Nevertheless, the controlled synthesis of MXene foams with...

Hierarchical Ti3 C2 Tx MXene/Carbon Nanotubes Hollow Microsphere with Confined Magnetic Nanospheres for Broadband Microwave Absorption

Hierarchical hollow structure with unique interfacial properties holds great potential for microwave absorption (MA). Ti₃ C₂ T_x MXene has been a hot topic due to rich interface structure, abundant defects, and functional groups. However, its overhigh permittivity and poor aggregation-resistance limit the further application. Herein, a hierarchical MXene-based hollow microsphere is prepared via a facile spray drying strategy. Within the microsphere, few-layered MXene nanosheets are separated by dispersed carbon nanotubes (CNTs), exposing abundant dielectric polarization interfaces. Besides, numerous magnetic Fe₃ O₄ nanospheres are uniformly dispersed and confined within nano-cavities between 1D network and 2D framework. Such a novel structure simultaneously promotes interfacial polarization by ternary MXene/CNTs/Fe₃ O₄ interfaces, enhances magnetic loss by microscale and nanoscale coupling network, enlarges conduction loss by MXene/CNTs dual-network, and optimizes impedance matching by hierarchical porous structure. Therefore, Fe₃ O₄ @Ti₃ C₂ T_x /CNTs composite achieves excellent MA property with a maximum reflection loss of -40.1 dB and an effective bandwidth of 5.8 GHz at the thickness of only 2 mm. This work demonstrates a feasible hierarchical structure design strategy for multi-dimension MXene composite to realize the high-efficiency MA performance.

Heterointerface Engineering in Electromagnetic Absorbers: New Insights and Opportunities

Electromagnetic (EM) absorbers play an increasingly essential role in the electronic information age, even toward the coming "intelligent era". The remarkable merits of heterointerface engineering and its peculiar EM characteristics inject a fresh and infinite vitality for designing high-efficiency and stimuli-responsive EM absorbers. However, there still exist huge challenges in understanding and reinforcing these interface effects from the micro and macro perspectives. Herein, EM response mechanisms of interfacial effects are dissected in depth, and with a focus on advanced characterization as well as theoretical techniques. Then, the representative optimization strategies are systematically discussed with emphasis on component selection and structural design. More importantly, the most cutting-edge smart EM functional devices based on heterointerface engineering are reported. Finally, current challenges and concrete suggestions are proposed, and future perspectives on this promising field are also predicted.

Ferromagnetic Ti3CNCl2-decorated RGO aerogel: From 3D interconnecting conductive network construction to ultra-broadband microwave absorber with thermal insulation property

It remains urgent challenges to adopt suitable strategies to consume unwanted microwave pollution emitted by high-tech electronic devices satisfactorily. Confronted with narrow effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) and high filler loading bottlenecks of MXene-Based microwave absorber, herein, we employ Lewis molten salt etching approach to both exfoliate Ti₃AlCN powders into Ti₃CNCl₂ suspension and intercalate ferromagnetic composition into interlamination simultaneously. By utilizing the crosslinking effect of dopamine, the Ti₃CNCl₂ are anchored on the surfaces of graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets, constructing interconnecting microstructure. Both the 3D conductive network and the modification of MXene manifest crucial impacts on enhancing microwave absorption performance of the resulting ultra-lightweight reduced GO (RGO)-based aerogel. The minimum intensity of reflection loss achieves -62.62 dB with the absorber mass loading of 0.7 wt%. Remarkably, more than 90% of the incident microwave is qualified to be absorbed over the whole Ku band. The EAB is broadened while tailoring the thickness to 3 mm, ranging from 10.2 to 18 GHz. Besides, the aerogel presents valuable thermal insulation properties. Our methodology of synthesizing MXene/RGO aerogel not only provides promising insights into microstructural construction but also endows the possibility for integrating thermal insulation property towards next-generation high-performance microwave absorption devices.

3D Seed-Germination-Like MXene with In Situ Growing CNTs/Ni Heterojunction for Enhanced Microwave Absorption via Polarization and Magnetization

Benefiting from the possible "seed-germination" effect, the "seeds" Ni²⁺ grow into "buds" Ni nanoparticles and "stem" carbon nanotubes (CNTs) from the enlarged "soil" of MXene skeleton. Compared with the traditional magnetic agglomeration, the MXene-CNTs/Ni hybrids exhibit the highly spatial dispersed magnetic architecture. 3D MXene-CNTs/Ni composites hold excellent microwave absorption performance (-56.4 dB at only 2.4 mm). Ti₃C₂T_x MXene is widely regarded as a potential microwave absorber due to its dielectric multi-layered structure. However, missing magnetic loss capability of pure MXene leads to the unmatched electromagnetic parameters and unsatisfied impedance matching condition. Herein, with the inspiration from dielectric-magnetic synergy, this obstruction is solved by fabricating magnetic CNTs/Ni hetero-structure decorated MXene substrate via a facile in situ induced growth method. Ni²⁺ ions are successfully attached on the surface and interlamination of each MXene unit by intensive electrostatic adsorption. Benefiting from the possible "seed-germination" effect, the "seeds" Ni²⁺ grow into "buds" Ni nanoparticles and "stem" carbon nanotubes (CNTs) from the enlarged "soil" of MXene skeleton. Due to the improved impedance matching condition, the MXene-CNTs/Ni hybrid holds a superior microwave absorption performance of - 56.4 dB at only 2.4 mm thickness. Such a distinctive 3D architecture endows the hybrids: (i) a large-scale 3D magnetic coupling network in each dielectric unit that leading to the enhanced magnetic loss capability, (ii) a massive multi-heterojunction interface structure that resulting in the reinforced polarization loss capability, confirmed by the off-axis electron holography. These outstanding results provide novel ideas for developing magnetic MXene-based absorbers.

Single Zinc Atoms Anchored on MOF-Derived N-Doped Carbon Shell Cooperated with Magnetic Core as an Ultrawideband Microwave Absorber

Polarization behaviors of no-magnetic shell dominate the dielectric properties for core-shell magnetic-carbon composites, which faces a huge challenge. Herein, a single atom-doping strategy is established to adjust local electric potential in the metal-organic framework (MOF)-derived carbon shell. Benefiting from the confined transformation, single Zn atoms and N atoms are evenly distributed in the porous carbon shell using ZIF-8 as a template. Dielectric assembled carbon layers with functionalized Fe₃ O₄ core construct unique magnetic-dielectric synergy system. The electromagnetic parameters of Fe₃ O₄ @Zn-N-Carbon composites can be modified by tuning the pod-like Zn-N-doping carbon shell via repeating ZIF-8 growth cycles. Surprisingly, the core-shell Fe₃ O₄ @Zn-N-Carbon exhibits superior microwave absorption (MA) performance both in the reflection loss ability and wide-frequency responding feature. The reflection loss value of Fe₃ O₄ @Zn-N-Carbon microspheres reach -61.9 dB and the effective absorption bandwidth up to 11.5 GHz at only 2.5 mm thickness. The excellent MA mechanism is ascribed to following reasons. High-density stacking Zn-N doping carbon layers boost the interfacial polarization and plentiful Zn single atoms maximize the dipole polarization because of maximum atom utilization efficiency. Enhanced magnetic loss ability results from the compulsory magnetic coupling responding among Fe₃ O₄ cores. Magnetic-dielectric synergy of core-shell Fe₃ O₄ @Zn-N-Carbon microspheres can build ultrawide MA frequency.

Vapor-phase production of nanomaterials

The synthesis of nanomaterials, with characteristic dimensions of 1 to 100 nm, is a key component of nanotechnology. Vapor-phase synthesis of nanomaterials has numerous advantages such as high product purity, high-throughput continuous operation, and scalability that have made it the dominant approach for the commercial synthesis of nanomaterials. At the same time, this class of methods has great potential for expanded use in research and development. Here, we present a broad review of progress in vapor-phase nanomaterial synthesis. We describe physically-based vapor-phase synthesis methods including inert gas condensation, spark discharge generation, and pulsed laser ablation; plasma processing methods including thermal- and non-thermal plasma processing; and chemically-based vapor-phase synthesis methods including chemical vapor condensation, flame-based aerosol synthesis, spray pyrolysis, and laser pyrolysis. In addition, we summarize the nanomaterials produced by each method, along with representative applications, and describe the synthesis of the most important materials produced by each method in greater detail.

Developing MXenes from Wireless Communication to Electromagnetic Attenuation

There is an urgent global need for wireless communication utilizing materials that can provide simultaneous flexibility and high conductivity. Avoiding the harmful effects of electromagnetic (EM) radiation from wireless communication is a persistent research hot spot. Two-dimensional (2D) materials are the preferred choice as wireless communication and EM attenuation materials as they are lightweight with high aspect ratios and possess distinguished electronic properties. MXenes, as a novel family of 2D materials, have shown excellent properties in various fields, owing to their excellent electrical conductivity, mechanical stability, high flexibility, and ease of processability. To date, research on the utility of MXenes for wireless communication has been actively pursued. Moreover, MXenes have become the leading materials for EM attenuation. Herein, we systematically review the recent advances in MXene-based materials with different structural designs for wireless communication, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, and EM wave absorption. The relationship governing the structural design and the effectiveness for wireless communication, EMI shielding, and EM wave absorption is clearly revealed. Furthermore, our review mainly focuses on future challenges and guidelines for designing MXene-based materials for industrial application and foundational research.

Rationally designed structure of mesoporous carbon hollow microspheres to acquire excellent microwave absorption performance

In this study, we used a novel and facile hard-template etching method to manufacture mesoporous carbon hollow microspheres (MCHMs). We prove that the dielectric ability and microwave absorption of MCHMs can be adjusted by structural characteristics. When the average particle size of MCHMs is 452 nm, the paraffin composite material mixed with 10 wt% MCHMs can achieve a maximum reflection loss value of -51 dB with a thickness of 4.0 mm at 7.59 GHz. When the average particle size of MCHMs is 425 nm, the effective absorption bandwidth of the paraffin composite material mixed with 10 wt% MCHMs can achieve a broad bandwidth of 7.14 GHz with a thickness of 2.5 mm. Compared with other microwave absorbers, MCHMs possess high microwave absorption capacity and broad microwave absorption bandwidth with as low as a 10 wt% filler ratio. This excellent microwave absorption performance is due to the internal cavity and the mesoporous shell of MCHMs. By rationally designing the structure of MCHMs, excellent microwave absorption performance can be acquired. Meanwhile, this design concept based on a rational design of spherical structure can be extended to other spherical absorbers.

Hierarchical Magnetic Network Constructed by CoFe Nanoparticles Suspended Within "Tubes on Rods" Matrix Toward Enhanced Microwave Absorption

Hierarchical magnetic-dielectric composites are promising functional materials with prospective applications in microwave absorption (MA) field. Herein, a three-dimension hierarchical "nanotubes on microrods," core-shell magnetic metal-carbon composite is rationally constructed for the first time via a fast metal-organic frameworks-based ligand exchange strategy followed by a carbonization treatment with melamine. Abundant magnetic CoFe nanoparticles are embedded within one-dimensional graphitized carbon/carbon nanotubes supported on micro-scale Mo₂N rod (Mo₂N@CoFe@C/CNT), constructing a special multi-dimension hierarchical MA material. Ligand exchange reaction is found to determine the formation of hierarchical magnetic-dielectric composite, which is assembled by dielectric Mo₂N as core and spatially dispersed CoFe nanoparticles within C/CNTs as shell. Mo₂N@CoFe@C/CNT composites exhibit superior MA performance with maximum reflection loss of - 53.5 dB at 2 mm thickness and show a broad effective absorption bandwidth of 5.0 GHz. The Mo₂N@CoFe@C/CNT composites hold the following advantages: (1) hierarchical core-shell structure offers plentiful of heterojunction interfaces and triggers interfacial polarization, (2) unique electronic migration/hop paths in the graphitized C/CNTs and Mo₂N rod facilitate conductive loss, (3) highly dispersed magnetic CoFe nanoparticles within "tubes on rods" matrix build multi-scale magnetic coupling network and reinforce magnetic response capability, confirmed by the off-axis electron holography.

Constructing Ni12P5/Ni2P Heterostructures to Boost Interfacial Polarization for Enhanced Microwave Absorption Performance

Heterostructures with a rich phase boundary are attractive for surface-mediated microwave absorption (MA) materials. However, understanding the MA mechanisms behind the heterogeneous interface remains a challenge. Herein, a phosphine (PH₃) vapor-assisted phase and structure engineering strategy was proposed to construct three-dimensional (3D) porous Ni₁₂P₅/Ni₂P heterostructures as microwave absorbers and explore the role of the heterointerface in MA performance. The results indicated that the heterogeneous interface between Ni₁₂P₅ and Ni₂P not only creates sufficient lattice defects for inducing dipolar polarization but also triggers uneven spatial charge distribution for enhancing interface polarization. Furthermore, the porous structure and proper component could provide an abundant heterogeneous interface to strengthen the above polarization relaxation process, thereby greatly optimizing the electromagnetic parameters and improving the MA performance. Profited by 3D porous heterostructure design, P400 could achieve the maximum reflection loss of -50.06 dB and an absorption bandwidth of 3.30 GHz with an ultrathin thickness of 1.20 mm. Furthermore, simulation results confirmed its superior ability (14.97 dB m² at 90°) to reduce the radar cross section in practical applications. This finding may shed light on the understanding and design of advanced heterogeneous MA materials.

Design of Ti3C2Tx/TiO2/PANI multi-layer composites for excellent electromagnetic wave absorption performance

Ti₃C₂T_x MXene is an excellent electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorber with excellent electrical conductivity and abundant surface functional groups. In this research, Ti₃C₂T_x/TiO₂/PANI multi-layer composites were successfully synthesized by HCl and LiF etching, one-step hydrothermal method and in-situ polymerization. Ti₃C₂T_x can provide more electron transfer paths due to its unique multilayer structure and high specific surface area. The growth of TiO₂ particles on the surface of Ti₃C₂T_x through hydrothermal reaction enhances the interface polarization, and then polyaniline (PANI) is doped on the surface of Ti₃C₂T_x where TiO₂ particles are grown by in-situ polymerization. Due to the excellent dielectric properties and synergistic effects of the material itself, Ti₃C₂T_x/TiO₂/PANI composites have excellent EMW absorption property. In this study, the Ti₃C₂T_x/TiO₂/PANI composites showed the strong reflection loss (RL) of at 13.92 GHz, which was -65.61 dB, and the thickness was only 2.18 mm. Moreover, the composites also exhibit a wide absorption band, with an effective absorption bandwidth (RL < -10 dB) of 5.92 GHz (11.84 GHz to 17.76 GHz) at 2.10 mm. The results show that the Ti₃C₂T_x/TiO₂/PANI composites are expected to become EMW absorber with thin thickness and high absorption strength.