Optimizing electromagnetic wave absorption in electrospun carbon-based fibers through dielectric and magnetic component modulation

Abstract

Electrospinning technology-driven carbon fiber provides a promising approach for fabricating high-performance electromagnetic wave-absorbing materials. However, the limited degree of graphitization and absence of magnetic loss impedes the overall electromagnetic balance. To address this, the present study utilizes a simple electrospinning-carbonization process to integrate magnetic metal nanoparticles and one-dimensional carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into carbon nanofibers, forming a three-dimensional core–shell structured carbon nanofiber network. For the optimized sample, the minimum reflect loss of −69.2 dB is achieved at 16.2 GHz, and the effective absorption bandwidth value in the X and Ku regions is extended to 7.31 GHz, while the filler loading is 15 wt%. By manipulating the reference concentration of magnetic metal nanoparticles, it becomes feasible to effectively modulate the density and distribution of magnetic particles within the core–shell structured nanofibers, achieving precise control over magnetic loss and electromagnetic balance. Based on this premise, CNTs with exceptional electrical conductivity are further incorporated into carbon nanofibers to enhance their conductive loss capability and impedance-matching characteristics. This type of embedding offers fresh perspectives and concepts for creating high-performance, lightweight electromagnetic wave absorbers.