A strategy based on composition control and structural design to prepare 3DOM RFCo composites with a 3D ordered macroporous structure for enhanced electromagnetic wave absorption

Abstract

The component control and microstructure design of absorbing materials are important factors in determining electromagnetic wave absorption performance. Hence, in this paper, 3DOM RFCo composites with cobalt nanoparticles embedded in three-dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) structured carbon skeletons were prepared using the template method. Adjusting the content of Co in the composite optimizes the electromagnetic parameters and enhances impedance matching and dissipation ability. The 3DOM RFCo-2 composite exhibits an effective absorption bandwidth of 5.28 GHz at a thickness of 1.8 mm. The excellent electromagnetic wave absorption performance is attributed to multiple reflections and scattering effects, interfacial polarization, conductive losses, and magnetic losses, which are the result of synergistic effects between the Co nanoparticles and the carbon skeleton as well as the rich porous structure provided by the 3DOM structure. The finite element simulation results demonstrate that the 3DOM structure facilitates the entry and attenuation of electromagnetic waves. Radar scattering cross-section simulation results demonstrate that the 3DOM RFCo-2 composite has high practical application value. This study broadens the road for the design of 3DOM structural materials with excellent wave absorption properties.