Enhanced Polarization from Hollow Cube-like ZnSnO3 Wrapped by Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes: As a Lightweight and High-Performance Microwave Absorber

Hierarchical and Orderly Surface Conductive Networks in Yolk-Shell Fe3 O4 @C@Co/N-Doped C Microspheres for Enhanced Microwave Absorption

Constructing the adjustable surface conductive networks is an innovation that can achieve a balance between enhanced attenuation and impedance mismatch according to the microwave absorption mechanism. However, the traditional design strategies remain significant challenges in terms of rational selection and controlled growth of conductive components. Herein, a hierarchical construction strategy and quantitative construction technique are employed to introduce conductive metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) derivatives in the classic yolk-shell structure composed of electromagnetic components and the cavity for remarkable optimized performance. Specifically, the surface conductive networks obtained by carbonized ZIF-67 quantitative construction, together with the Fe3 O4 magnetic core and dielectric carbon layer linked by the cavity, achieve the cooperative enhancement of impedance matching optimization and synergistic attenuation in the Fe3 O4 @C@Co/N-Doped C (FCCNC) absorber. This interesting design is further verified by experimental results and simulation calculations. The products FCCNC-2 yield a distinguished minimum reflection loss of -66.39 dB and an exceptional effective absorption bandwidth of 6.49 GHz, indicating that moderate conduction excited via hierarchical and quantitative design can maximize the absorption capability. Furthermore, the proposed versatile methodology of surface assembly paves a new avenue to maximize beneficial conduction effect and manipulate microwave attenuation in MOFs derivatives.

Microwave-Excited, Antibacterial Core-Shell BaSO4/BaTi5O11@PPy Heterostructures for Rapid Treatment of S. aureus-Infected Osteomyelitis

Owing to its deep penetration capability, microwave (MW) therapy has emerged as a promising method to eradicate deep-seated acute bone infection diseases such as osteomyelitis. However, the MW thermal effect still needs to be enhanced to achieve rapid and efficient treatment of deep focal infected areas. In this work, the multi-interfacial core-shell structure barium sulfate/barium polytitanates@polypyrrole (BaSO₄/BaTi₅O₁₁@PPy) was prepared, which exhibited enhanced MW thermal response via the well-designed multi-interfacial structure. To be specific, BaSO₄/BaTi₅O₁₁@PPy achieved rapid temperature increases in a short period and efficient clearance of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infections under MW irradiation. After 15 min MW irradiation, the antibacterial efficacy of BaSO₄/BaTi₅O₁₁@PPy can reach up to 99.61 ± 0.22%. Their desirable thermal production capabilities originated from enhanced dielectric loss including multiple interfacial polarization and conductivity loss. Additionally, in vitro analysis illuminated that the underlying antimicrobial mechanism was attributed to the noticeable MW thermal effect and changes in energy metabolic pathways on bacterial membrane instigated by BaSO₄/BaTi₅O₁₁@PPy under MW irradiation. Considering remarkable antibacterial efficiency and acceptable biosafety, we envision that it has significant value in broadening the pool of desirable candidates to fight against S. aureus-infected osteomyelitis. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: : The treatment of deep bacterial infection remains challenging due to the ineffectiveness of antibiotic treatment and the susceptibility to bacterial resistance. Microwave (MW) thermal therapy (MTT) is a promising approach with remarkable penetration to centrally heat up the infected area. This study proposes to utilize the core-shell structure BaSO₄/BaTi₅O₁₁@PPy as an MW absorber to achieve localized heating under MW radiation for MTT. In vitro experiments demonstrated that the disrupted bacterial membrane is primarily due to the localized high temperature and interrupted electron transfer chain. As a consequence, its antibacterial rate is as high as 99.61% under MW irradiation. It is shown that the BaSO₄/BaTi₅O₁₁@PPy is a promising candidate for eliminating bacterial infection in deep-seated tissues.

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.

Construction of Ni-Zn bimetal sulfides Heterostructured-hybrids for High-performance electromagnetic wave absorption

Utilizing the synergistic effect of multiple components in heterostructured composites has been regarded as a promising strategy for achieving high-performance electromagnetic wave absorption. Nonetheless, rationally collocate the components of absorbers in order to legitimately achieve synergy remains an intractable problem. By adjusting the NiS and ZnS composition ratios in the ZnS/NiS/C composites, the optimal impedance matching and dissipation capability can be obtained. The formation of a ZnS/NiS heterostructure is found to significantly enhance polarization relaxation, and the relative ratios of ZnS and NiS have a significant effect on the electromagnetic properties. The optimal performance was obtained on Z1N2, with a minimum reflection loss of -51.45 dB at 4.72 GHz and -56.69 dB at 11.12 GHz, respectively, and an effective absorption bandwidth of up to 3.68 GHz at 1.16 mm. The potential of heterogeneous bimetal sulfides as high-performance absorbers is demonstrated in this study.

Cubic-like Co/NC composites derived from ZIF-67 with a dual control strategy of size and graphitization degree for microwave absorption

MOFs with high tunability are considered ideal candidates as microwave-absorbing materials. Strict experimental conditions can ensure the repeatability and maximize the potential of such materials. In this study, cubic ZIF-67 carbides synthesized at different solution temperatures showed an adjustable average size, and then by adjusting the calcination temperature we could control the degree of graphitization, so as to explore the synergistic effect of these two aspects to achieve an in-depth understanding of the electromagnetic properties and microwave absorption properties. The results showed that sample 30-600 (with the former number referring to the synthesis temperature and the latter to the calcination temperature) showed the widest effective absorption bandwidth (5.75 GHz, 1.8 mm) and the optimal reflection loss (-56.92 dB, 2.1 mm). The best matching electromagnetic parameters were obtained under the synergistic action of a smaller particle size and appropriate degree of graphitization, so as to achieve strong attenuation characteristics under low electromagnetic wave reflection. The microwave loss mechanism of the sample mainly involved dielectric losses, such as from conductance loss, dipole polarization, and interface polarization. Starting from the experimental details, this work proposes a dual control strategy for developing microwave-absorbing materials with both simplicity and practicability, which provides a useful reference for other microwave absorbents synthesized at room temperature.

C/MnO@void@C with Triple Balances for Superior Microwave Absorption Performance

It is very promising and challenging to construct a yolk-shell structure with highly efficient microwave absorption (MA) performance through a simple fabrication process. Here, a novel C/MnO@void@C (MCC) yolk-shell structure has been successfully synthesized by one-step calcination without additional processing. The as-obtained MCC composites with tunable crystallinity degrees and hollowness can be obtained by treatment at various temperatures. The MCC composites treated at 700 °C (MCC-700) show an impressive MA performance, and the optimal reflection loss of -53.2 dB and an effective absorption bandwidth of 5.4 GHz can be obtained. This excellent performance results from multiple balance mechanisms. First, the regulated permittivity of MCC-700 due to proper crystallinity and hollowness is beneficial for the balance between dielectric loss (tan δ_ε) and impedance match (Z_im). Second, the optimal balance between the increasing polarization range and decreasing polarization intensity can be achieved, which is favorable for the improvement of the MA performance. Third, the multicore yolk-shell structure of MCC-700 is conducive to multiple scattering and continuous energy dissipation. Thus, our new findings provide a rational way for the utilization of yolk-shell structural manganese-based materials.

Confined Magnetic-Dielectric Balance Boosted Electromagnetic Wave Absorption

Magnetic-dielectric property plays a critical significance for the functional expression toward advanced materials. Within nanoscale, the simultaneous regulation of the electrical and magnetic properties of electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption materials faces huge challenges. Herein, using the metal-organic frameworks (MOF) as templates, highly-dispersed ZnO and Co nanoparticles are uniformly confined inside graphited N-doped carbon skeleton, constructing the balanced EM property in the Co@NC-ZnO absorbers. Meanwhile, a dynamics and symmetrical morphology optimization of MOF-derived Co@NC-ZnO are dependent on the Co/Zn mass ratio and adjusting MOF frameworks, which evolves from the cube, truncated cube, dodecahedron, and to the final microsphere. Simultaneously, both the electronic conduction network and magnetic coupling network are compatible together in the in situ transformed Co@NC-ZnO system. Boosted magnetic responding ability and unique magnetic coupling are verified by the off-axis electronic holography. Plentiful heterojunction interfaces and special electronic conduction paths can be built in this Co-Zn-MOF derivatives, facilitating the dielectric loss behaviors. As expected, MOF-derived Co@NC-ZnO absorber displays outstanding EM wave absorption ability with strongest reflection loss value of -69.6 dB at only 1.9 mm thickness and wideband absorption covering 6.8 GHz at 2.4 mm. Confined EM balance provides new design strategy toward MOF-derived excellent MA materials and functional devices.

Multi-Path Electron Transfer in 1D Double-Shelled Sn@Mo2 C/C Tubes with Enhanced Dielectric Loss for Boosting Microwave Absorption Performance

1D tubular micro-nano structural materials have been attracting extensive attention in the microwave absorption (MA) field for their anisotropy feature, outstanding impedance matching, and electromagnetic energy loss capability. Herein, unique double-shelled Sn@Mo₂ C/C tubes with porous Sn inner layer and 2D Mo₂ C/C outer layer are successfully designed and synthesized via a dual-template method. The composites possess favorable MA performance with an effective absorption bandwidth of 6.76 GHz and a maximum reflection loss value of -52.1 dB. Specifically, the rational and appropriate construction of Sn@Mo₂ C/C tubes promotes the multi-path electron transfer in the composites to optimize the dielectric constant and consequently to enhance the capacity of electromagnetic wave energy dissipation. Three mechanisms dominate the MA process: i) the conductive loss resulted from the rapid electron transmission due to the novel 1D hollow coaxial multi-shelled structure, especially the metallic Sn inner layer; ii) the polarization loss caused by abundant heterogeneous interfaces of Sn-Mo₂ C/C and Mo₂ CC from the precise double-shelled structure; iii) the capacitor-like loss by the potential difference between Mo₂ C/C nanosheets. This work hereby sheds light on the design of the 1D hierarchical structure and lays out a profound insight into the MA mechanism.

Carbon-Based MOF Derivatives: Emerging Efficient Electromagnetic Wave Absorption Agents

To tackle the aggravating electromagnetic wave (EMW) pollution issues, high-efficiency EMW absorption materials are urgently explored. Metal-organic framework (MOF) derivatives have been intensively investigated for EMW absorption due to the distinctive components and structures, which is expected to satisfy diverse application requirements. The extensive developments on MOF derivatives demonstrate its significantly important role in this research area. Particularly, MOF derivatives deliver huge performance superiorities in light weight, broad bandwidth, and robust loss capacity, which are attributed to the outstanding impedance matching, multiple attenuation mechanisms, and destructive interference effect. Herein, we summarized the relevant theories and evaluation methods, and categorized the state-of-the-art research progresses on MOF derivatives in EMW absorption field. In spite of lots of challenges to face, MOF derivatives have illuminated infinite potentials for further development as EMW absorption materials.

Silver Doped Zinc Stannate (Ag-ZnSnO3) for the Photocatalytic Degradation of Caffeine under UV Irradiation

Contaminants of emerging concerns (CECs) spread across a wide range of organic product compounds. As biorecalcitrants, their removal from conventional wastewater treatment systems remains a herculean task. To address this issue, heterogenous solar driven advanced oxidation process based-TiO2 and other semiconductor materials has been extensively studied for their abatement from wastewater sources. In this study, we have synthesized by hydrothermal assisted co-precipitation Ag doped ZnSnO3. Structural and morphological characterizations were performed via X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR), N2 adsorption-desorption at 77 K by Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET) and Barrett, Joyner, and Halenda (BJH) methods, Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Scanning electron microscopy coupled with Energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and UV-visible absorption in Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis/DRS) mode. Crystallite size estimate for Ag-ZnSnO3 and undoped form was 19.4 and 29.3 nm, respectively, while respective TEM particle size estimate was 79.0 nm and 98.2 nm. BET surface area and total pore volume by BJH for Ag-ZnSnO3 were estimated with respective values of 17.2 m2/g and 0.05 cm3/g in comparison to 18.8 m2/g and 0.06 cm3/g for ZnSnO3. Derived energy band gap (Eg) values were 3.8 eV for Ag-ZnSnO3 and 4.2 eV for ZnSnO3. Photocatalytic performance of Ag-ZnSnO3 was tested towards caffeine achieving about 68% removal under (natural) unmodified pH = 6.50 and almost 100% removal at initial pH around 7.5 after 4 h irradiation. The effect of initial pH, catalyst dosage, pollutant concentration, charge scavengers, H2O2, contaminant inorganic ions (anions) as well as humic acid (HA) on the photocatalyst activity over caffeine degradation were assessed. In accordance with the probation test of the reactive species responsible for photocatalytic degradation process, a reaction mechanism was deduced.

Recent progress of microwave absorption microspheres by magnetic-dielectric synergy

Designing and developing high-performance microwave absorption (MA) materials for electromagnetic protection and radar detection have received widespread attention. Recently, magnetic-dielectric MA materials have become a research hotspot due to their unique complementary functions and synergy loss mechanism. Herein, we review important research progress of excellent MA systems combining strong magnetic components and dielectric substrates. The functional materials involve magnetic materials, carbon components, semiconductors, polymer and so on. For a comprehensive analysis, current development and challenges are firstly introduced in the background. Modern requirements for microwave energy conversion are elaborated in the following part. To highlight the key points, more attention has been paid to the magnetic-dielectric synergy microsphere: (i) core/yolk-shell structure, (ii) multi-component assembly and (iii) MOF-derived synergy composites. Meanwhile, classical and typical high-performance MA composites with a multi-loss mechanism are also mentioned in this review paper. Finally, the design principles, electromagnetic synergy, future mechanism exploration and device application are presented, which provides guidance for understanding MA materials.

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.

Yolk-Shell Nano ZnO@Co-Doped NiO with Efficient Polarization Adsorption and Catalysis Performance for Superior Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

Achieving strong adsorption and catalytic ability toward polar lithium polysulfide species (LiPSs) of the sulfur host in lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries is essential for their electrochemical cyclic stability. Herein, a strategy of "self-termination of ion exchange" is put forward to synthesize the novel yolk-shell sulfur host composed of ZnO nanoparticles confined in Co-doped NiO (CDN) polyhedron (ZCCDN). After sulfur infiltration, the obtained S/ZCCDN cathode achieves excellent performance of 738.56 mAh g^-1 after 500 cycles at 0.5 C with a very low capacity decay rate of only 0.048% per cycle. Even at 1 C, 501.05 mAh g^-1 could be retained after 500 cycles, suggesting a capacity decay ratio of only 0.076% per cycle. The good cycle performance is attributed to the improved LiPSs' conversion kinetics, which originates from ZCCDN's sturdy chemical affinity and strong catalytic ability to polar LiPSs. For the first time, by electron holography, the local interfacial polarization electric field is clarified to be existed in the material which is conducive to the capture of LiPSs and the migration of electrons and Li⁺ from the mesopores. This work provides a rational way for the use of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) and development of cathode materials for Li-S batteries.

Rutile TiO2 Nanoparticles Encapsulated in a Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-Derived Hierarchical Carbon Framework with Engineered Dielectricity as an Excellent Microwave Absorber

Aiming to solve the poor response of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) in the microwave frequency, versatile series of N-doped carbon (NC) components are employed to improve the conductivity and polarization strength of TiO₂-based composites. The bimetallic zeolitic imidazolate framework-derived TiO₂@NC complex (TNC-3) exhibits hierarchical microstructures and large-scale hetero-interfaces, whereas the pyrolysis composite of metal-polydopamine-coated TiO₂ (TNC-4) possesses the vesicle-like NC shell and bulk TiO₂ core. Thus, the optimal reflection loss and efficient absorption bandwidth of TNC-3 realize -44.0 dB at 3.0 mm and 5.4 GHz at only 2.0 mm of coating thickness, respectively. Nevertheless, the corresponding attenuation ability of TNC-4 is separately -24.3 dB and 4.8 GHz with a thickness of 5.0 and 2.0 mm, respectively. Importantly, the conduction and polarization loss can be enhanced by the large-scale interfacial contacts between nanoscale rutile nanoparticles and hierarchical graphitized carbon. Meanwhile, the superior performance of TNC-3 stems from the large proportion of pyridinic N and pyrrolic N, which provides asymmetric lone pairs to strengthen the dipole rotation. These results are of great value in constructing semiconductor-based complexes by carbon-coating engineering as functional materials.

Galvanic Replacement Reaction Involving Core-Shell Magnetic Chains and Orientation-Tunable Microwave Absorption Properties

Electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption materials have attracted considerable attention because of EM wave pollution caused by the proliferation of electronic communication devices. One-dimentional (1D) structural magnetic metals have potential as EM absorption materials. However, fabricating 1D core-shell bimetallic magnetic species is a significant challenge. Herein, 1D core-shell bimetallic magnetic chains are successfully prepared through a modified galvanic replacement reaction under an external magnetic field, which could facilitate the preparation of 1D core-shell noble magnetic chains. By delicately designing the orientation of bimetallic magnetic chains in polyvinylidene fluoride, the composites reveal the decreased complex permittivity and increased permeability compared with random counterparts. Thus, elevated EM wave absorption perfromances including an optimal reflection loss of -43.5 dB and an effective bandwidth of 7.3 GHz could be achieved for the oriented Cu@Co sample. Off-axis electron holograms indicate that the augmented magnetic coupling and remarkable polarization loss primarily contribute to EM absorption in addition to the antenna effect of the 1D structure to scatter microwaves and ohmic loss of the metallic attribute. This work can serve a guide to construct 1D core-shell bimetallic magnetic nanostructures and design magnetic configuration in polymer to tune EM parameters and strengthen EM absorption properties.

Design of MOF-derived hierarchical Co@C@RGO composite with controllable heterogeneous interfaces as a high-efficiency microwave absorbent

Carbon-based composites have triggered tremendous attention in the development of high-efficiency microwave absorbers, due to their compatibility, light weight, and high microwave absorption. However, fabricating carbon-based absorbers with a strong absorption ability in a broad frequency range is challenging. Hence, a facile strategy was used to produce Co@C derived from a zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF)@ graphene. The Co@C@RGO composite was obtained by annealing the ZIF67/GO nanocomposite precursor at 650 °C in a nitrogen atmosphere. Due to the magnetic loss induced by the Co particles, the dielectric loss generated by the carbon skeletons and graphene, and the interfacial polarization between the components, the hierarchical composite exhibits superior electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption properties. The optimal reflection loss (R_L) of the Co@C@ RGO composite can be up to -67.5 dB at 2.6 mm, and the effective bandwidth (≥-10 dB) is 5.4 GHz (10-15.4 GHz) with a thickness of 2 mm at 20 wt% loading. The dipolar polarization caused by graphene, as well as enhanced impedance matching, synergistic effect and interfacial effect among the components, increase the microwave absorption performance of the composite. This work may open a new path to use the Co@C@RGO composite with its high-efficiency EM wave properties as an absorber.

MOF-Derived Ni1-xCox@Carbon with Tunable Nano-Microstructure as Lightweight and Highly Efficient Electromagnetic Wave Absorber

Intrinsic electric-magnetic property and special nano-micro architecture of functional materials have a significant effect on its electromagnetic wave energy conversion, especially in the microwave absorption (MA) field. Herein, porous Ni1-xCox@Carbon composites derived from metal-organic framework (MOF) were successfully synthesized via solvothermal reaction and subsequent annealing treatments. Benefiting from the coordination, carbonized bimetallic Ni-Co-MOF maintained its initial skeleton and transformed into magnetic-carbon composites with tunable nano-micro structure. During the thermal decomposition, generated magnetic particles/clusters acted as a catalyst to promote the carbon sp2 arrangement, forming special core-shell architecture. Therefore, pure Ni@C microspheres displayed strong MA behaviors than other Ni1-xCox@Carbon composites. Surprisingly, magnetic-dielectric Ni@C composites possessed the strongest reflection loss value - 59.5 dB and the effective absorption frequency covered as wide as 4.7 GHz. Meanwhile, the MA capacity also can be boosted by adjusting the absorber content from 25% to 40%. Magnetic-dielectric synergy effect of MOF-derived Ni1-xCox@Carbon microspheres was confirmed by the off-axis electron holography technology making a thorough inquiry in the MA mechanism.

Bimetallic MOF-derived hollow ZnNiC nano-boxes for efficient microwave absorption

In this work, we report the facile synthesis of a hollow ZnNiC nano-box using a hollow ZnNi-MOF as the sacrificial template through a one-step pyrolysis process. Remarkably, the as-prepared hollow ZnNiC/paraffin composite exhibited a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of -66.1 dB at 15.3 GHz and effective absorption bandwidth of 4.4 GHz with a thickness of 1.6 mm.

Facile Design of Three-Dimensional Nitrogen-Doped Reduced Graphene Oxide/Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube Composite Foams as Lightweight and Highly Efficient Microwave Absorbers

Graphene foams with three-dimensional (3D) network structure, high porosity, and ultralow density have been regarded as lightweight microwave absorption materials. Herein, nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide/multi-walled carbon nanotube composite foams were prepared through a two-step strategy of hydrothermal self-assembly and subsequent high-temperature calcination. Morphology analysis indicated that the 3D networks were composed of overlapped flaky reduced graphene oxide. In addition, the influences of nitrogen doping, calcination temperature, and filler ratios on microwave absorption of composite foams were explored. Results manifested that the microwave absorption of composite foams was remarkably improved with the calcination temperature increased. Dramatically, it was noteworthy that the composite foam obtained under 600 °C calcination (bulk density of ∼10.8 mg/cm³) with an 8 wt % mass filler ratio presented the strongest microwave absorption of -69.6 dB at 12.5 GHz and broadest absorption bandwidth achieved 4.3 GHz (13.2-17.5 GHz) at an extremely low matching thickness equal to 1.5 mm. Moreover, the microwave absorption performance could be conveniently adjusted through modifying the thicknesses, filler ratios, and calcination temperature. The excellent microwave absorption performance of as-prepared composite foams was greatly derived from a well-constructed 3D network structure, significant nitrogen doping, enhanced polarization relaxation, and improved conduction loss. This work proposed a new strategy for fabricating graphene-based composites with a 3D network structure as high-efficiency microwave absorbers.

Enhanced microwave absorption performance from abundant polarization sites of ZnO nanocrystals embedded in CNTs via confined space synthesis

Dielectric composites constructed using carbon and metal oxides have become a hot research topic; however, the strategy to strengthen the coupling of components still needs to be optimized to enhance dielectric loss. Herein, ultra-fine ZnO derived from ZIF-8 was uniformly distributed and tightly embedded in multi-wall carbon nanotubes (C-ZnO@CNTs) via a novel confined space synthesis. Due to the presence of a polypyrrole coating, ZnO nanocrystals could be formed in the space of the original polyhedron and inserted into the CNTs, promoting the generation of polarized CNTs and providing abundant polarization centers on the CNTs. The composites exhibited superior microwave absorption capacity with a reflection loss value of up to -48.2 dB at 6.0 GHz, and the effective bandwidth reached 14.9 GHz by adjusting their thickness. According to the geometric phase analysis, the strain driven by the tight-coupling between ZnO-CNTs was confirmed to exist in the interfaces, boosting their inherent electromagnetic properties. The improved dielectric loss was caused by the strong interfacial polarization among ZnO-ZnO or ZnO-CNTs and the conductive loss among intertwined CNTs network, as revealed by electron holography. Therefore, the overall electrical properties could be improved by the polarized C-ZnO@CNTs with high electron conductivity. The confined space strategy may have promising potential for the synthesis of new composites of polarized carbon materials tightly coupled with metal oxides nanocrystals.

Enhanced polarization from flexible hierarchical MnO2 arrays on cotton cloth with excellent microwave absorption

To develop flexible microwave absorbers with strong attenuation capability has become a formidable challenge for applications of camouflage, stealth, and anti-electromagnetic pollution. Herein, a series of highly uniform cotton cloth@MnO₂ (CC@MnO₂) hierarchical structures with superior absorption performances were fabricated by simultaneously changing their intrinsic (α/δ phase) and extrinsic (2D/1D geometry) characteristics. The distinct absorption capability was dominantly contributed by the vertically grown dielectric MnO₂ 1D nanotube and conductive CC substrate, which could serve as a highly oriented backbone to ensure rapid electron transportation. Therefore, a well-designed CC@MnO₂ sample (α phase instead of the δ phase) exhibits the best absorption performance. The maximum reflection loss (RL) is -53.2 dB at 5.4 GHz and the effective bandwidth is 5.84 GHz for a thickness of only 2 mm. This unique structure exhibits polarization, conduction loss, and strong dissipation capability, which can be attributed to the high density of accumulated charges trapped at the interface, as confirmed by the electron holography analysis. Meanwhile, the MnO₂ coating does not affect the original flexibility of the CC and yields a massive interface and electronic conduction path. It is expected that CC@MnO₂ might shed a new light on the design of microwave absorbers.

Oriented Polarization Tuning Broadband Absorption from Flexible Hierarchical ZnO Arrays Vertically Supported on Carbon Cloth

A novel strategy is used to design large-scale polarized carbon-based dielectric composites with sufficient interaction to electromagnetic waves. Highly uniform polar zinc oxide arrays are vertically grown on a flexible conductive carbon cloth substrate (CC@ZnO) via an in situ orientation growth process. Anion regulation is found to be a key factor to the morphology of hierarchical ZnO arrays including single-rod, cluster and tetrapod-shaped. As a typical dielectric loss hybrid composite, the electromagnetic parameters of the CC@ZnO system and charge density distribution in polarized ZnO rods confirm that the 3D intertwined carbon cloth is used as a conductive network to provide ballistic electron transportation. Moreover, the defect-rich ZnO arrays are well in contact with the CC substrate, favoring interface polarization, multiscattering, as well as impedance matching. Surprisingly, the efficient absorption bandwidth of the CC@ZnO-1 composite can reach 10.6 GHz, covering all X and Ku bands. The oriented ZnO possesses oxygen vacancies and exposure to a large amount of intrinsic polar surfaces, encouraging the polarization behavior under microwave frequency. Optimized CC@ZnO materials exhibit fast electron transportation, strong microwave energy dissipation, and superior wide absorption. The results suggest that the CC@ZnO composites have promising potential as flexible, tuning, and broadband microwave absorbers.

Atomic Layer Tailoring Titanium Carbide MXene To Tune Transport and Polarization for Utilization of Electromagnetic Energy beyond Solar and Chemical Energy

The utilization of electromagnetic (EM) energy neither is affected by the weather nor produces harmful substances. How to utilize and convert EM energy is of practical concern. Herein, delaminated titanium carbide (D-Ti₃C₂T_x) MXene nanosheet (NS) was successfully fabricated by the modified Gogotsi's method. The choice of atomic layer processing allows tailoring of layer distance of Ti₃C₂T_x so as to improve polarization. High-performance EM wave absorption of D-Ti₃C₂T_x MXene NS composites was obtained, and their comprehensive performance is the best of all Ti₃C₂T_x-based composites. Due to the competition between conduction loss and polarization loss, the higher the concentration of D-Ti₃C₂T_x in composites, the more the conversion of EM energy to thermal energy will be. Based on the mechanism, a prototype of thermoelectric generator is designed, which can convert the EM energy into power energy effectively. This thermoelectric generator will be the energy source for low power electric devices. Our finding will provide new ideas for the utilization of EM energy.

Morphology-controlled synthesis and excellent microwave absorption performance of ZnCo2O4 nanostructures via a self-assembly process of flake units

Pure dielectric microwave absorbers with strong attenuation capability and wide-band response become a challenge for efficient electromagnetic wave energy absorption. Herein, a series of ZnCo2O4 hierarchical structures with superior absorption performance have been achieved by tuning their surface architectures from ball-, hydrangea- to cabbage-, and pineapple-like morphologies. A facile one-step synthesis strategy using a self-assembly process with ZnCo2O4 crystalline flakes as structural units was proposed. The deionized water solution and urea addition were found to critically determine the formation of our unique cabbage-like ZnCo2O4 self-assembled morphology. The wide band and distinct absorption was dominantly contributed from dielectric ZnCo2O4 flakes, which could be furthermore adjusted by the above-mentioned morphologies. Due to its abundant void volume stacked by flakes, the cabbage-like ZnCo2O4 demonstrated the best absorption performance where the RLmax reached -36.33 dB at 9.5 GHz with an efficient bandwidth of 5.11 GHz (RL < -10 dB, 11.17-16.28 GHz). Adjusting the simulating thickness from 1 to 5 mm, the bandwidths range from 5.8 to 18 GHz. This unique structure has the polarization, conduction loss and strong dissipation capability resulting from the high density of accumulated charges trapped by the flake gap, confirmed by the analysis of electromagnetic parameters and electronic holography. It is expected that the self-assembled ZnCo2O4 microsphere might shed new light on the design of novel microwave absorption materials.