Facial synthesis of MCeOx/porous carbon (M = Fe, Ni, and Co) composites with dielectric/magnetic properties for microwave absorption

Abstract

A major challenge is the synergistic regulation of porous carbon materials’ dielectric and magnetic loss to produce lightweight and broadband absorption performance. This study used bamboo powders as a carbon source during hydrothermal and pyrolysis processes to create MCeO_x/PC (M = Fe, Ni, and Co) composites. The NiCeO_x/PC composites demonstrate outstanding microwave absorption (MA) performance with a minimum reflection loss (RL_min) of −58.21 dB at a thickness of 1.9 mm, and an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 4.74 GHz (covering 13.26–18.00 GHz) at a matched thickness of 1.6 mm, which is attributed to the synergistic effect of their excellent impedance matching, dielectric and magnetic loss. Furthermore, the highest radar cross-section (RCS) attenuation of 16.55 dB m² is achieved by the RCS in comparison to the perfect electric conductor (PEC) plate, suggesting a potential practical use. This work offers a theoretical foundation for the production of carbon-based MA materials obtained from sustainable biomass.