Three-dimensional biotemplate-loaded nickel sulfide vacancies engineered to promote the absorption of electromagnetic waves

Abstract

Vacancy engineering offers an appealing strategy for modifying the electronic structure of transition metals. Transition metals with abundant sulfur vacancies can significantly contribute to the microwave absorption capabilities of absorbers. In this study, an Ni_xS_y@De composite material was synthesized through a straightforward hydrothermal synthesis technique. The effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of this composite material reached 9.86 GHz at 1.44 mm. A minimum reflection loss (RL_min) of −33.61 dB at 1 mm was achieved, and after mild etching, the RL_min further improved to −93.53 dB at 1.16 mm to achieve a high-attenuation microwave absorption. The exceptional performance of Ni_xS_y@De for the absorption of electromagnetic waves (EMWs) is based on its high dielectric loss, substantial magnetic loss, and excellent impedance matching. This work combines transition metal sulfides with three-dimensional biotemplated diatomite, providing valuable insights into the design of advanced EMW absorbing materials.