J. Mater. Sci. Technol. ›› 2024, Vol. 187: 15-27.DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2023.10.063

• Research Article • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Dual template-derived 3D porous Co6Mo6C2/Mo2C@NC framework for electromagnetic wave response and multifunctional applications

Ya Ninga,1, Xiaojun Zenga,1,*, Xiawen Penga, Xiao Jianga, Zong-Yang Shena,*, Chongbo Liub, Ronghai Yuc   

  1. aNational Engineering Research Center for Domestic & Building Ceramics, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jingdezhen Ceramic University, Jingdezhen 333403, China;
    bSchool of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, China;
    cSchool of Materials Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
  • Received:2023-10-05 Revised:2023-10-29 Accepted:2023-10-31 Published:2024-07-10 Online:2024-01-17
  • Contact: *E-mail addresses: zengxiaojun@jcu.edu.cn (X. Zeng), shenzongyang@163.com (Z.-Y. Shen)
  • About author:1These authors contributed equally to this work.

Abstract: The swift advancement of electronics technology has led to a burgeoning interest in multifunctionalizing electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption materials as a prospective avenue for future development. However, the effective integration of diverse functions within a single material continues to present challenges. This work successfully fabricated a three-dimensional (3D) porous Co6Mo6C2/Mo2C@NC framework with carbon microspheres through uncomplicated freeze-drying and high-temperature pyrolysis techniques. The resultant magnetic bimetallic carbide (Co6Mo6C2 and Mo2C) nanoparticles are uniformly and densely embedded within the carbon layer, facilitated jointly by a rigid template (molybdenum salt) and a flexible template (glucose), thus realizing an exceptional dual loss mechanism involving dielectric and magnetic components. The establishment of the 3D porous conductive network enhances EMW absorption through multiple reflections and scattering mechanisms. Impressively, the Co6Mo6C2/Mo2C@NC framework attains remarkable EMW absorption characteristics with ultralightweight (0.1567 g cm-3), ultrathin matching thickness (1.7 mm), and robust absorption (reflection loss RL value of -65.89 dB). Furthermore, it achieves a noteworthy effective absorption bandwidth (EAB, RL ≤ -10 dB) spanning 6.4 GHz, ensuring complete absorption of 100 % within the X band (8-12 GHz) at a matching thickness of 2 mm. In addition, the Co6Mo6C2/Mo2C@NC framework exhibits pronounced hydrophobicity and magnetic responsiveness, bestowing upon it appealing attributes including self-cleaning, flame retardancy, and thermal insulation, on par with those observed in commercial products. The radar cross-sectional area (RSC) reduction value of the Co6Mo6C2/Mo2C@NC framework can reach 35.2 dB m2 by RSC simulation, which can effectively lower the likelihood of detection by radar detectors for the target. This study presents a viable strategy for the advancement of novel lightweight and multifunctional materials that demonstrate exceptional performance in absorbing electromagnetic waves.

Key words: Dual template, Wide broadband, Electromagnetic wave absorption, Multifunctionalisation, Flame retardant