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2026 Volume 42 Issue 8
2026, 42(8):
Abstract:
2026, 42(8): 100227
doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2025.100227
Abstract:
Owing to synergistic interactions among their components, multi-principal element alloys manifest remarkable physicochemical properties that render them highly promising candidates for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts. Despite extensive experimental investigations, the intricate composition of multi-principal components and the absence of systematic machine learning (ML) screening poses significant challenges in identifying optimal elemental configurations for electrocatalysts, thereby constraining the rational design and development of multi-principal alloy electrocatalysts. In this work, the NbZnCo2multi-principal component alloy emerges as the optimal candidate from a pool of 601 candidate alloys using the Light Gradient Boosting model, demonstrating approximately 34-fold cost efficiency enhancement over Pt/C while surpassing HER activity. Combined density functional theory (DFT) calculations and experimental validation confirmed the ML model’s reliability, with the micrometer NbZnCo2 catalyst achieving an ultralow overpotential of 20 mV at 10 mA cm-2 and remarkable stability over a period of 60 h. Furthermore, the NbZnCo2 nanoparticle retained exceptional HER properties, validating the universality of NbZnCo2 element composition. Our work establishes a synergistic “ML-DFT-Experiment” framework for the precise design of high-performance HER electrocatalysis. This methodology exhibits extensibility to diverse other electrocatalytic processes, thereby broadening the applicability in sustainable energy conversion technologies.
Owing to synergistic interactions among their components, multi-principal element alloys manifest remarkable physicochemical properties that render them highly promising candidates for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts. Despite extensive experimental investigations, the intricate composition of multi-principal components and the absence of systematic machine learning (ML) screening poses significant challenges in identifying optimal elemental configurations for electrocatalysts, thereby constraining the rational design and development of multi-principal alloy electrocatalysts. In this work, the NbZnCo2multi-principal component alloy emerges as the optimal candidate from a pool of 601 candidate alloys using the Light Gradient Boosting model, demonstrating approximately 34-fold cost efficiency enhancement over Pt/C while surpassing HER activity. Combined density functional theory (DFT) calculations and experimental validation confirmed the ML model’s reliability, with the micrometer NbZnCo2 catalyst achieving an ultralow overpotential of 20 mV at 10 mA cm-2 and remarkable stability over a period of 60 h. Furthermore, the NbZnCo2 nanoparticle retained exceptional HER properties, validating the universality of NbZnCo2 element composition. Our work establishes a synergistic “ML-DFT-Experiment” framework for the precise design of high-performance HER electrocatalysis. This methodology exhibits extensibility to diverse other electrocatalytic processes, thereby broadening the applicability in sustainable energy conversion technologies.
2026, 42(8): 100301
doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2026.100301
Abstract:
Metal-organic framework (MOF) derivatives have become candidates for electromagnetic wave absorption materials due to their large specific surface area and structural tunability. However, the insufficient conductivity loss and agglomeration of magnetic MOF derivatives seriously hinder their application. Herein, a novel conductive network construction engineering and anchoring strategy is proposed to design Ni-MOF@carbon fibers/Expanded graphite (EG) composites with a layered grid structure using Ni-catalyzed self-assembly and heat treatment processes. Specifically, free carbon is promoted to form a conductive network connecting EG and anchoring MOF derivatives by meticulously controlling the carbon source and grid-like EG. SEM analysis confirmed that the carbon fibers connected the EG layers to form a richer conductive micronetwork. Simultaneously, the anchoring of the carbon fibers regulated the impedance matching and activated the interface-induced polarization, which was confirmed by electromagnetic parameters. Therefore, the RLmin of S-4 reached -41.73 dB, the EABmax was 5.12 GHz, the matching thickness was only 1.48 mm, and the radar cross section value was greatly reduced 39.58 dB·m2. This work provides meaningful insights into the potential applications of conductive network construction engineering and anchoring technology for high-performance electromagnetic wave absorbing materials.
Metal-organic framework (MOF) derivatives have become candidates for electromagnetic wave absorption materials due to their large specific surface area and structural tunability. However, the insufficient conductivity loss and agglomeration of magnetic MOF derivatives seriously hinder their application. Herein, a novel conductive network construction engineering and anchoring strategy is proposed to design Ni-MOF@carbon fibers/Expanded graphite (EG) composites with a layered grid structure using Ni-catalyzed self-assembly and heat treatment processes. Specifically, free carbon is promoted to form a conductive network connecting EG and anchoring MOF derivatives by meticulously controlling the carbon source and grid-like EG. SEM analysis confirmed that the carbon fibers connected the EG layers to form a richer conductive micronetwork. Simultaneously, the anchoring of the carbon fibers regulated the impedance matching and activated the interface-induced polarization, which was confirmed by electromagnetic parameters. Therefore, the RLmin of S-4 reached -41.73 dB, the EABmax was 5.12 GHz, the matching thickness was only 1.48 mm, and the radar cross section value was greatly reduced 39.58 dB·m2. This work provides meaningful insights into the potential applications of conductive network construction engineering and anchoring technology for high-performance electromagnetic wave absorbing materials.
2026, 42(8): 100302
doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2026.100302
Abstract:
The accelerating pace of technological advancement and industrialization has propelled electromagnetic radiation protection and heavy metal treatment to the forefront of current research. In this work, we adopted an original one pot green synthesis method, fabricated a set of novel manganese dioxide@nitrogen-doped carbon@NiFe2O4 hybrids. The microstructures and morphologies, crystal forms, chemical compositions, electromagnetic parameters and electromagnetic wave absorption performances of as-synthesized hybrids were investigated in detail. Result of reflection loss curves indicated that the optimized sample obtained by adjusting the dosage of pyrrole monomer exhibited ideal electromagnetic wave absorption efficiency, with a minimum reflection loss value of -48 dB at the sample thickness of 3.2 mm, which can mainly be attributed to the resonance effect caused by interface polarization, reasonable impedance matching and some other factors. The synthesis concept involved in this one pot method is also beneficial for promoting the development of green synthesis.
The accelerating pace of technological advancement and industrialization has propelled electromagnetic radiation protection and heavy metal treatment to the forefront of current research. In this work, we adopted an original one pot green synthesis method, fabricated a set of novel manganese dioxide@nitrogen-doped carbon@NiFe2O4 hybrids. The microstructures and morphologies, crystal forms, chemical compositions, electromagnetic parameters and electromagnetic wave absorption performances of as-synthesized hybrids were investigated in detail. Result of reflection loss curves indicated that the optimized sample obtained by adjusting the dosage of pyrrole monomer exhibited ideal electromagnetic wave absorption efficiency, with a minimum reflection loss value of -48 dB at the sample thickness of 3.2 mm, which can mainly be attributed to the resonance effect caused by interface polarization, reasonable impedance matching and some other factors. The synthesis concept involved in this one pot method is also beneficial for promoting the development of green synthesis.
2026, 42(8): 100305
doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2026.100305
Abstract:
The application of MXene in the electromagnetic wave absorption (EWA) field has been increasingly extensive. To explore the potential of more MXene types, this study has successfully synthesized Ta2CTx MXene via HF etching and subsequently prepared a series of Ta2CTx MXene/CuInS2 composites using a microwave-assisted chemical synthesis system. The Ta2CTx sample has demonstrated an optimal minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of -27.61 dB with an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 0.8 GHz at a thin thickness of 2.9 mm and a 50 wt% filler loading. In contrast, the Ta2CTx MXene/CuInS2-50 composite has exhibited a significantly superior EAB of 4.48 GHz at a thinner thickness of 1.5 mm under the same filler loading condition. This enhanced performance has been attributed to the improved impedance matching and increased dielectric loss contributed by the incorporation of CuInS2. Furthermore, the multilayered sheet-like structure formed by the two components has established a continuous conductive network, which has effectively dissipated electromagnetic energy through multiple reflections and conductive loss. Ultimately, this work has provided a viable strategy for developing high-efficiency absorbers based on Ta2CTx MXene materials.
The application of MXene in the electromagnetic wave absorption (EWA) field has been increasingly extensive. To explore the potential of more MXene types, this study has successfully synthesized Ta2CTx MXene via HF etching and subsequently prepared a series of Ta2CTx MXene/CuInS2 composites using a microwave-assisted chemical synthesis system. The Ta2CTx sample has demonstrated an optimal minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of -27.61 dB with an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 0.8 GHz at a thin thickness of 2.9 mm and a 50 wt% filler loading. In contrast, the Ta2CTx MXene/CuInS2-50 composite has exhibited a significantly superior EAB of 4.48 GHz at a thinner thickness of 1.5 mm under the same filler loading condition. This enhanced performance has been attributed to the improved impedance matching and increased dielectric loss contributed by the incorporation of CuInS2. Furthermore, the multilayered sheet-like structure formed by the two components has established a continuous conductive network, which has effectively dissipated electromagnetic energy through multiple reflections and conductive loss. Ultimately, this work has provided a viable strategy for developing high-efficiency absorbers based on Ta2CTx MXene materials.
2026, 42(8): 100308
doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2026.100308
Abstract:
MXene possesses high dielectric loss and a distinctive layered structure, yet its single-component characteristic gives rise to intense electromagnetic wave reflection, which severely restricts its microwave absorption efficiency. In this study, La2O3@Ti3C2Tx nanocomposites were fabricated by immobilizing La2O3 nanoparticles onto exfoliated Ti3C2Tx nanosheets via amino-bond linkage, with temperature adopted as a pivotal parameter to modulate the absorption performance. Ti3C2Tx was derived from the Ti3AlC2 precursor through LiF-assisted wet etching, ultrasonication and centrifugation. The phase composition and microstructure of the composites were characterized by XRD, SEM and TEM, while their electromagnetic parameters in the X-band were measured using a vector network analyzer. The optimal absorption performance was attained at a temperature of 60 ℃. At a thickness of 3.8 mm, the minimum reflection loss reaches -50.5 dB at 9.2 GHz, and the effective absorption bandwidth fully covers the X-band (8.2–12.4 GHz). Furthermore, the microwave absorption performance is further optimized by simulating the loaded frequency selective surface, with the reflection loss in the X-band all below -10 dB at a thickness of 3.2 mm. Mechanistic analysis based on electromagnetic field simulation confirms that the exceptional absorption behavior originates from LC resonance. This work provides a novel and feasible strategy for designing and fabricating high-performance Ti3C2Tx-based microwave absorbing materials, which shows promising application prospects in the field of electromagnetic protection.
MXene possesses high dielectric loss and a distinctive layered structure, yet its single-component characteristic gives rise to intense electromagnetic wave reflection, which severely restricts its microwave absorption efficiency. In this study, La2O3@Ti3C2Tx nanocomposites were fabricated by immobilizing La2O3 nanoparticles onto exfoliated Ti3C2Tx nanosheets via amino-bond linkage, with temperature adopted as a pivotal parameter to modulate the absorption performance. Ti3C2Tx was derived from the Ti3AlC2 precursor through LiF-assisted wet etching, ultrasonication and centrifugation. The phase composition and microstructure of the composites were characterized by XRD, SEM and TEM, while their electromagnetic parameters in the X-band were measured using a vector network analyzer. The optimal absorption performance was attained at a temperature of 60 ℃. At a thickness of 3.8 mm, the minimum reflection loss reaches -50.5 dB at 9.2 GHz, and the effective absorption bandwidth fully covers the X-band (8.2–12.4 GHz). Furthermore, the microwave absorption performance is further optimized by simulating the loaded frequency selective surface, with the reflection loss in the X-band all below -10 dB at a thickness of 3.2 mm. Mechanistic analysis based on electromagnetic field simulation confirms that the exceptional absorption behavior originates from LC resonance. This work provides a novel and feasible strategy for designing and fabricating high-performance Ti3C2Tx-based microwave absorbing materials, which shows promising application prospects in the field of electromagnetic protection.
2026, 42(8): 100310
doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2026.100310
Abstract:
Defect regulation is a key to developing new types of absorbing materials. How to precisely control the concentration and quantity of defects to optimize the loss mechanism of materials remains a major challenge. The absorption frequency of traditional absorbing materials does not match the resonance frequency, which limits their absorption performance. To address these issues, this paper successfully regulated the dipole and carrier density of CoMn nanosheets through the synergistic effect of phosphorus doping and sulfur vacancy defects, significantly improving the electromagnetic wave absorption performance of the material. Experimental results show that the optimized composite material achieves a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of -52.19 dB and a maximum effective absorption bandwidth (EABmax) of 5.52 GHz at matching thicknesses of 2.0 mm and 2.2 mm, respectively. The introduction of phosphorus doping and sulfur vacancy defects not only increases the active sites but also enriches the loss mechanism through the formation of heterointerfaces and lattice distortions. This study not only provides a simple method for the preparation of new electromagnetic wave absorbing materials but also offers a new strategy for defect regulation of transition metal dichalcogenides.
Defect regulation is a key to developing new types of absorbing materials. How to precisely control the concentration and quantity of defects to optimize the loss mechanism of materials remains a major challenge. The absorption frequency of traditional absorbing materials does not match the resonance frequency, which limits their absorption performance. To address these issues, this paper successfully regulated the dipole and carrier density of CoMn nanosheets through the synergistic effect of phosphorus doping and sulfur vacancy defects, significantly improving the electromagnetic wave absorption performance of the material. Experimental results show that the optimized composite material achieves a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of -52.19 dB and a maximum effective absorption bandwidth (EABmax) of 5.52 GHz at matching thicknesses of 2.0 mm and 2.2 mm, respectively. The introduction of phosphorus doping and sulfur vacancy defects not only increases the active sites but also enriches the loss mechanism through the formation of heterointerfaces and lattice distortions. This study not only provides a simple method for the preparation of new electromagnetic wave absorbing materials but also offers a new strategy for defect regulation of transition metal dichalcogenides.
2026, 42(8): 100312
doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2026.100312
Abstract:
Prussian blue analogues (PBAs) offer tunable coordination frameworks and intrinsic porosity, yet their limited structural robustness and attenuation capability restrict the performance of PBA-derived electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbers. These drawbacks can be substantially mitigated in metal-carbon heterostructure systems, yet achieving well-defined multi-component heterogeneous interfaces and controllable magnetic-domain behavior remains challenging. Here, we propose an electrostatic-field self-assisted strategy to construct bimetallic PBA-derived multi-type carbon-encapsulated/MXene (NiCo@C@C/MXene) heterostructures with precisely engineered multi-component interfaces, which create a rich landscape of electrostatically induced dual-coupled interfaces acting as a core mechanism for enhancing dielectric loss. MXene nanosheets and PDA coating reinforce the PBA-derived carbon matrix and form multidimensional conductive pathways, while multi-type carbon matrix, defect porosity, and magnetic nanoparticles collectively enhance interfacial polarization and magnetic loss. The resulting synergy yields optimized impedance matching, strong attenuation, and broadband absorption, enabling the material to achieve a minimum reflection loss (RL) of -58.51 dB and an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 5.44 GHz at an ultrathin thickness of only 1.57 mm. Radar cross-section simulations further reveal domain-coupling networks that intensify EMW dissipation. This work establishes a concise route to address intrinsic PBA limitations and interface-engineering challenges, enabling next-generation high-performance EMW attenuation materials.
Prussian blue analogues (PBAs) offer tunable coordination frameworks and intrinsic porosity, yet their limited structural robustness and attenuation capability restrict the performance of PBA-derived electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbers. These drawbacks can be substantially mitigated in metal-carbon heterostructure systems, yet achieving well-defined multi-component heterogeneous interfaces and controllable magnetic-domain behavior remains challenging. Here, we propose an electrostatic-field self-assisted strategy to construct bimetallic PBA-derived multi-type carbon-encapsulated/MXene (NiCo@C@C/MXene) heterostructures with precisely engineered multi-component interfaces, which create a rich landscape of electrostatically induced dual-coupled interfaces acting as a core mechanism for enhancing dielectric loss. MXene nanosheets and PDA coating reinforce the PBA-derived carbon matrix and form multidimensional conductive pathways, while multi-type carbon matrix, defect porosity, and magnetic nanoparticles collectively enhance interfacial polarization and magnetic loss. The resulting synergy yields optimized impedance matching, strong attenuation, and broadband absorption, enabling the material to achieve a minimum reflection loss (RL) of -58.51 dB and an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 5.44 GHz at an ultrathin thickness of only 1.57 mm. Radar cross-section simulations further reveal domain-coupling networks that intensify EMW dissipation. This work establishes a concise route to address intrinsic PBA limitations and interface-engineering challenges, enabling next-generation high-performance EMW attenuation materials.
2026, 42(8): 100313
doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2026.100313
Abstract:
To address the electromagnetic wave (EMW) pollution, developing efficient EMW-absorbing (EMWA) materials is still challenging. A bismuth-cobalt bimetallic organic framework was prepared by a polymer-assisted sol-gel method, and carbonized at high-temperature to obtain honeycomb-like BiCo@nitrogen-doped carbon (NC) composites. The carbonization temperature affects both the magnetic properties and electrical conductivity. With increasing temperature, the EMWA performance of BiCo@NC composites first increases and then decreases. At 750 ℃, the minimum reflection loss value is -47.29 dB at 2.40 mm, and the effective absorption bandwidth value is 6.72 GHz (11.28–18.00 GHz). The excellent EMWA performance is caused by the combined dielectric and magnetic loss synergy, multiple reflection and scattering, and impedance matching. Density functional theory calculations confirm that interfacial polarization enhances the EMWA performance, and radar cross-section calculations show the composites' practical application potential. This study offers a novel approach for high-efficiency carbon-based EMWA materials.
To address the electromagnetic wave (EMW) pollution, developing efficient EMW-absorbing (EMWA) materials is still challenging. A bismuth-cobalt bimetallic organic framework was prepared by a polymer-assisted sol-gel method, and carbonized at high-temperature to obtain honeycomb-like BiCo@nitrogen-doped carbon (NC) composites. The carbonization temperature affects both the magnetic properties and electrical conductivity. With increasing temperature, the EMWA performance of BiCo@NC composites first increases and then decreases. At 750 ℃, the minimum reflection loss value is -47.29 dB at 2.40 mm, and the effective absorption bandwidth value is 6.72 GHz (11.28–18.00 GHz). The excellent EMWA performance is caused by the combined dielectric and magnetic loss synergy, multiple reflection and scattering, and impedance matching. Density functional theory calculations confirm that interfacial polarization enhances the EMWA performance, and radar cross-section calculations show the composites' practical application potential. This study offers a novel approach for high-efficiency carbon-based EMWA materials.
2026, 42(8): 100315
doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2026.100315
Abstract:
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is widely used due to its excellent thermal stability, electrical insulation, and low friction characteristics. However, its significant creep behavior greatly limits its application range. Inorganic fillers can effectively improve the creep resistance of PTFE-based materials, and the interaction between the filler and the PTFE matrix plays a key role in the modification effect. This study employs two-dimensional monolayer graphene oxide (GO) as a reinforcing filler to prepare graphene oxide-polytetrafluoroethylene (GO-PTFE) composites, achieving a significant enhancement in creep resistance. The surface of graphene oxide is rich in oxygen-containing functional groups, which can form strong interfacial hydrogen bonds with fluorine atoms in the PTFE matrix. Theoretical calculations and molecular dynamics simulations indicate that there is a strong intermolecular interaction in GO-PTFE composites. This interaction effectively restricts the movement of PTFE molecular chains, reduces their slippage and deformation under external forces, and thereby decreases the material's creep extent.
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is widely used due to its excellent thermal stability, electrical insulation, and low friction characteristics. However, its significant creep behavior greatly limits its application range. Inorganic fillers can effectively improve the creep resistance of PTFE-based materials, and the interaction between the filler and the PTFE matrix plays a key role in the modification effect. This study employs two-dimensional monolayer graphene oxide (GO) as a reinforcing filler to prepare graphene oxide-polytetrafluoroethylene (GO-PTFE) composites, achieving a significant enhancement in creep resistance. The surface of graphene oxide is rich in oxygen-containing functional groups, which can form strong interfacial hydrogen bonds with fluorine atoms in the PTFE matrix. Theoretical calculations and molecular dynamics simulations indicate that there is a strong intermolecular interaction in GO-PTFE composites. This interaction effectively restricts the movement of PTFE molecular chains, reduces their slippage and deformation under external forces, and thereby decreases the material's creep extent.
2026, 42(8): 100323
doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2026.100323
Abstract:
Material hybridization and defect engineering are two effective strategies for tailoring electromagnetic wave absorption performance. In this work, to address the imbalanced impedance matching and weak absorption capability arising from the silicon carbide (SiC) nanowires, cobalt oxide (Co3O4) nanoparticles were successfully anchored onto the SiC nanowire surfaces via hydrothermal synthesis followed by one-step calcination. Subsequently, the synthesized Co3O4 was transformed into SiC@CoSe2and SiC@CoSe2-x respectively through secondary hydrothermal strategy and followed reduction treatment, which endows the SiC@CoSe2-x nanocomposite with excellent electromagnetic wave absorption performances. Under the combined effect of conductive loss, polarization loss, and magnetic loss, the optimized nanocomposite exhibits a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of -50.23 dB at a thickness of 1.9 mm and an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 7.84 GHz at a thickness of 2.03 mm, covering portions of the X-band and the entire Ku-band. The electromagnetic attenuation mechanisms were systematically elucidated, revealing the promising potential of CoSe2-based nanomaterials in electromagnetic wave absorption applications.
Material hybridization and defect engineering are two effective strategies for tailoring electromagnetic wave absorption performance. In this work, to address the imbalanced impedance matching and weak absorption capability arising from the silicon carbide (SiC) nanowires, cobalt oxide (Co3O4) nanoparticles were successfully anchored onto the SiC nanowire surfaces via hydrothermal synthesis followed by one-step calcination. Subsequently, the synthesized Co3O4 was transformed into SiC@CoSe2and SiC@CoSe2-x respectively through secondary hydrothermal strategy and followed reduction treatment, which endows the SiC@CoSe2-x nanocomposite with excellent electromagnetic wave absorption performances. Under the combined effect of conductive loss, polarization loss, and magnetic loss, the optimized nanocomposite exhibits a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of -50.23 dB at a thickness of 1.9 mm and an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 7.84 GHz at a thickness of 2.03 mm, covering portions of the X-band and the entire Ku-band. The electromagnetic attenuation mechanisms were systematically elucidated, revealing the promising potential of CoSe2-based nanomaterials in electromagnetic wave absorption applications.
2026, 42(8): 100324
doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2026.100324
Abstract:
The composition and structural design of composite materials are crucial for enhancing electromagnetic wave absorption (EMWA) performance. To achieve more controllable microscopic morphology adjustments while integrating composition design for broader-band EMWA, this section leverages the simple preparation process and good dispersion of CNs. Using a hydrothermal synthesis method, ZnSn(OH)6 and γ-Ga2O3 were coated on the surface of CNs. Subsequently, high-temperature calcination transformed ZnSn(OH)6 into a ZnO/Sn heterojunction, while γ-Ga2O3 was converted into GaN, constructing a multidimensional composite structure and introducing the Schottky barrier at the contact interface between metal and semiconductor. With optimized electromagnetic wave (EMW) loss mechanisms and impedance matching characteristics, the final C@ZnO/Sn@GaN composite material exhibited RLmin of -48.07 dB at 2.6 mm, EABmax of 6.32 GHz at 2.2 mm. Due to its structure and composition, this composite also demonstrated excellent corrosion resistance, providing valuable insights for expanding its application fields. This study successfully constructed a series of composite materials with multicomponent heterointerfaces using a simple hydrothermal and high-temperature calcination approach, optimizing the high dielectric properties of pure carbon materials. Furthermore, the introduction of Schottky barriers altered electron transport characteristics, further enhancing the EMWA capabilities of the material.
The composition and structural design of composite materials are crucial for enhancing electromagnetic wave absorption (EMWA) performance. To achieve more controllable microscopic morphology adjustments while integrating composition design for broader-band EMWA, this section leverages the simple preparation process and good dispersion of CNs. Using a hydrothermal synthesis method, ZnSn(OH)6 and γ-Ga2O3 were coated on the surface of CNs. Subsequently, high-temperature calcination transformed ZnSn(OH)6 into a ZnO/Sn heterojunction, while γ-Ga2O3 was converted into GaN, constructing a multidimensional composite structure and introducing the Schottky barrier at the contact interface between metal and semiconductor. With optimized electromagnetic wave (EMW) loss mechanisms and impedance matching characteristics, the final C@ZnO/Sn@GaN composite material exhibited RLmin of -48.07 dB at 2.6 mm, EABmax of 6.32 GHz at 2.2 mm. Due to its structure and composition, this composite also demonstrated excellent corrosion resistance, providing valuable insights for expanding its application fields. This study successfully constructed a series of composite materials with multicomponent heterointerfaces using a simple hydrothermal and high-temperature calcination approach, optimizing the high dielectric properties of pure carbon materials. Furthermore, the introduction of Schottky barriers altered electron transport characteristics, further enhancing the EMWA capabilities of the material.
2026, 42(8): 100325
doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2026.100325
Abstract:
With the rapid development of 5G communication, aerospace and defense technologies, the demands for electromagnetic radiation pollution, electromagnetic interference and electromagnetic stealth have driven the development of absorbing materials towards being “thin, light, wide and strong”. Dielectric-magnetic composite absorbing materials have become a current research hotspot by integrating dielectric loss and magnetic loss mechanisms, breaking through the bottlenecks such as poor impedance matching and narrow frequency bands of single materials. The core advantage of this type of material stems from the synergistic mechanism: the dielectric phase attenuates electromagnetic waves through dipole polarization, interface polarization, conduction loss and defect loss, while the magnetic phase dissipates magnetic energy through natural resonance, exchange resonance, eddy current loss and domain wall resonance. The coupling of the two can optimize impedance matching, extend the electromagnetic wave propagation path, and broaden the effective absorption bandwidth (EAB). Its synergistic effect is regulated by the component ratio, microstructure and interface characteristics. Its microscopic physical processes can be revealed through Maxwell-Garnett theory, transmission line theory, etc. Performance optimization needs to be achieved through multi-dimensional strategies: screening complementary dielectric-magnetic materials in component design and regulating the proportion; Optimize the preparation process for component dispersion and structural integrity; Microstructure regulation enhances impedance matching and multiple losses; Surface modification enhances interface polarization and synergistic effects. Typical systems include magnetic metal/dielectric polymer, ferrite/ceramic, and carbon-based/magnetic nanoparticle composite systems. The minimum reflection loss (RL) of some materials is less than -60 dB, and the EAB exceeds 9 GHz. Current research still faces challenges such as the imperfection of the theoretical model of the collaborative mechanism and the difficulty in balancing wideband absorption and environmental stability. In the future, it is necessary to deepen the understanding of micro-mechanisms, develop multi-functional, integrated, intelligent and green materials, and promote their large-scale application in fields such as military stealth, electromagnetic compatibility of electronic equipment, and protection of communication base stations.
With the rapid development of 5G communication, aerospace and defense technologies, the demands for electromagnetic radiation pollution, electromagnetic interference and electromagnetic stealth have driven the development of absorbing materials towards being “thin, light, wide and strong”. Dielectric-magnetic composite absorbing materials have become a current research hotspot by integrating dielectric loss and magnetic loss mechanisms, breaking through the bottlenecks such as poor impedance matching and narrow frequency bands of single materials. The core advantage of this type of material stems from the synergistic mechanism: the dielectric phase attenuates electromagnetic waves through dipole polarization, interface polarization, conduction loss and defect loss, while the magnetic phase dissipates magnetic energy through natural resonance, exchange resonance, eddy current loss and domain wall resonance. The coupling of the two can optimize impedance matching, extend the electromagnetic wave propagation path, and broaden the effective absorption bandwidth (EAB). Its synergistic effect is regulated by the component ratio, microstructure and interface characteristics. Its microscopic physical processes can be revealed through Maxwell-Garnett theory, transmission line theory, etc. Performance optimization needs to be achieved through multi-dimensional strategies: screening complementary dielectric-magnetic materials in component design and regulating the proportion; Optimize the preparation process for component dispersion and structural integrity; Microstructure regulation enhances impedance matching and multiple losses; Surface modification enhances interface polarization and synergistic effects. Typical systems include magnetic metal/dielectric polymer, ferrite/ceramic, and carbon-based/magnetic nanoparticle composite systems. The minimum reflection loss (RL) of some materials is less than -60 dB, and the EAB exceeds 9 GHz. Current research still faces challenges such as the imperfection of the theoretical model of the collaborative mechanism and the difficulty in balancing wideband absorption and environmental stability. In the future, it is necessary to deepen the understanding of micro-mechanisms, develop multi-functional, integrated, intelligent and green materials, and promote their large-scale application in fields such as military stealth, electromagnetic compatibility of electronic equipment, and protection of communication base stations.
