Exploring the Ni 3d Orbital Unpaired Electrons Induced Polarization Loss Based on Ni Single-Atoms Model Absorber

Single-atoms (SAs) strategies have been proved to be effective in modulating electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption, however, the establishment of a definitive relationship between metal SAs electronic configurations and physical loss mechanisms has been still absent, especially on the atomic scale. Herein, stable Ni-SAsx/N-doped carbon (NC) absorbers are fabricated with the strategy of ligand polymerization. The morphology, composition, electrical conductivity, defects, and electronic interactions of the material can be well tailored by Ni species modulation engineering. Theoretical and experimental results show that the atomically dispersed individual Ni atoms contribute to enhanced EMW absorption performance through excess Ni 3d orbital unpaired electron induced polarization loss. Benefiting from it, Ni-SAs3/NC with the highest Ni SAy-Nx (y > 1, x > 1) polar/defect centers exhibit excellent EMW absorption with an effective absorption bandwidth of 7.08 GHz at a matched thickness of 2.50 mm. Radar cross-section simulations further demonstrate its potential for practical application as EMW absorber. This study reveals the continuous evolution of microscopic electromagnetic loss mechanism (i.e., conduction loss→ unique polarization loss→ conduction loss) for the first time, which provides insight into the deep design of absorbers from atom-scale view.     

Liquid-Metal-Assisted Programmed Galvanic Engineering of Core–shell Nanohybrids for Microwave Absorption

Core–shell nanostructures have received widespread attention because of their potential usage in various technological and scientific fields. However, they still face significant challenges in terms of fabrication of core–shell nanostructure libraries on a controlled, and even programmed scale. This study proposes a general approach to systematically fabricate core–shell nanohybrids using liquid-metal Ga alloys as reconfigurable templates, and the initiation of a local galvanic replacement reaction is demonstrated utilizing an ultrasonic system. Under ultrasonic agitation, the hydrated gallium oxides generated on the liquid metal droplets, simultaneously delaminated themselves from the interfaces. Subsequently, single-metal or bimetallic components are deposited on fresh smooth Ga-based alloys via galvanic reactions to form unique core–shell metal/metal nanohybrids. Controlled and quantitative regulation of the diversity of the non-homogeneous nanoparticle shell layer composition is achieved. The obtained core–shell nanostructures are used as efficient microwave absorbers to dissipate unwanted electromagnetic wave pollution. The effective absorption bands (90% absorption) of core–shell Ga Ni and Ga CoNi nanohybrids are 3.92 and 3.8 GHz at a thickness of 1.4 mm, respectively. This general and advanced strategy enables the growth of other oxides or sulfides by spontaneous interfacial redox reactions for the fabrication of functional materials in the future.     

Simultaneous Manipulation of Interfacial and Defects Polarization toward Zn/Co Phase and Ion Hybrids for Electromagnetic Wave Absorption

Rational manipulation of multimetal hybrid materials (HMs) with tunable substitution or phases is evolving as an effective strategy to meet the controllable electromagnetic (EM) properties and EM wave (EMW) absorption. Herein, a new thermodynamic and kinetic cocontrol strategy is proposed to construct Zn/Co bimetal HMs with tuning ion and phase hybridization for synergistic effect on EM properties for the first time. Auxiliary chelating agent triethanolamine (TEA) dominates the phase separation by stepwise Zn/Co deposition in metal–organic frameworks, then the pyrolysis process under gradient temperature give rise to controllable ion hybridization products due to thermal motion. Benefiting from the tunable collaboration between defects polarization and interfacial polarization, the 700 °C HMs exhibit ultrahigh EM parameters and EMW absorption, of which products with no TEA deliver the effective absorbing bandwidth of 4.80 GHz (1.6 mm) and minimum reflection loss of −45.85 dB. The results indicated that synergistic effect of ion and phase hybridization can improve the defects induced “polarization centers” and coherent interfaces induced interfacial polarization. Furthermore, the comprehensive research and deep understanding on respective contribution of hybridization forms provide a precise inspiration in developing bimetal and even multimetal ferrite with tunable hybridization structure.     

Defect Engineering Activates Schottky Heterointerfaces of Graphene/CoSe2 Composites with Ultrathin and Lightweight Design Strategies to Boost Electromagnetic Wave Absorption

To tackle the increasingly complex electromagnetic (EM) pollution environment, the application-oriented electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption materials with ultra-thin, light weight and strong tolerance to harsh environment are urgently explored. Although graphene aerogel-based lightweight EMW absorbers have been developed, thinner thickness and more effective polarization loss strategies are still essential. Based on the theory of EMW transmission, this work innovatively proposes a high attenuation design strategy for obtaining ultra-thin EMW absorption materials, cobalt selenide (CoSe₂) is determined as animportant part of ultra-thin absorbers. In order to obtain a dielectric parameter range that satisfies the ultra-thin absorption characteristics and improve the lightweight properties of EMW absorption materials, a composite of CoSe₂ modified N-doped reduced graphene oxide (N-RGO/CoSe₂) is designed. Meanwhile, the controllable introduction of defect engineering into RGO can activate Schottky heterointerfaces of composites to generate a strong interfacial polarization effect, achieving ultra-thin characteristics while significantly improving the EM loss capability. In addition, infrared thermal images and anti-icing experiments show that the composite has good corrosion resistance, infrared stealth, and thermal insulation properties. Therefore, this work provides an effective strategy for obtaining thin-thickness, light-weight, and high-performance EMW absorption materials, embodying the advantages of N-RGO/CoSe₂ composites in practical applications.     

Synergistic Dielectric–Magnetic Enhancement via Phase-Evolution Engineering and Dynamic Magnetic Resonance

Dielectric polarization and magnetic resonance associated with intrinsic constituent and extrinsic structure are two kinds of fundamental attenuation mechanisms for microwave absorbers, but remain extremely challenging in revealing the composition-morphology-performance correlation. Herein, hierarchical MXene/metal-organic framework derivatives with coherent boundaries and magnetic units below critical grain size are constructed to realize synergistic dielectric–magnetic enhancement by phase-evolution engineering and dynamic magnetic resonance. Specifically, phase-evolution induced inseparable interfaces, diverse incompatible phases, and defects/vacancies contribute to dielectric polarization, while closely distributed magnetic units simultaneously realize nanoscale multi-domain coupling and long-range magnetic interaction. As results, the hierarchical derivatives promise an exceptional reflection loss of −59.5 dB and an effective absorption bandwidth of 6.1 GHz. Both experimental results and theoretical calculations indicate that phase-evolution engineering and dynamic magnetic resonance maximize the absorption capability and demonstrate a versatile methodology for manipulating microwave attenuation. More importantly, the proposed multi-domain coupling and long-range magnetic interaction theories innovatively offer dynamic magnetic resonance mechanism for magnetic loss within critical grain size.     

Phase Manipulating toward Molybdenum Disulfide for Optimizing Electromagnetic Wave Absorbing in Gigahertz

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) has been proved to be a potential electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorber. However, the limited EMW attenuation mechanisms and conductivity have always been recognized as the major challenges impeding their further developments. In this study, a new dielectric tuning strategy giving rise to high EMW attenuation performance by manipulating phase content (with 0, 24, 50, and 100 wt% 1T phase) toward MoS₂ is demonstrated. The greatly introduced 2H/1T interfaces facilitate the dipole distribution dynamics, and the metal-semiconductor mixed phase enhances the electron transfer ability. Benefiting from the structural merits, the MoS₂ with 50 wt% 1T absorber delivers the maximum reflection loss of −45.5 dB and effective absorbing bandwidth of ≈3.89 GHz, corresponding to nearly ten times higher than that of pure 2H counterpart. Moreover, the Computer Simulation Technology (CST) simulation and Lorentz transmission electron microscope are performed to visualize the structural advantages of MoS₂ absorbers with mixed 2H/1T phases. By manipulating the phase compositions, this study provides a deep understanding and opens an avenue in developing efficient and high performance transition metal dichalcogenides (e.g., WS₂, MoSe₂, and WSe₂) absorbers.     

Integrated Electromagnetic Device with On-Off Heterointerface for Intelligent Switching Between Wave-Absorption and Wave-Transmission

Intelligent electromagnetic wave absorbers (IEAs) are in high demand due to their dynamic electromagnetic parameters that can adapt to the complex and volatile application environments of the current 5G era. Despite of this, there is currently a lack of research on the convertible electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption mode (switching between wave-absorption and wave-transmission) and their integrated design with external physical stimulations, so that the electromagnetic device will realize intelligent switching in any conditions. In this work, a V₂C-VO₂(M) heterostructure that exhibits a reversible metal–insulator transition at the temperature of 62 °C is fabricated via oxidation of MXene. The heterostructures demonstrate near wave-transmission characteristics at 25 °C while wave-absorption behavior with wide effective absorption bandwidth (4.04 GHz) at 70 °C. VO₂(M) exhibits stronger intrinsic conductivity after phase transition, and the “on-off” heterostructure between V₂C and VO₂ lead to poor/strong local conductive network and interfacial polarization in 25/70 °C, thus creating “quantized” dielectric loss. Furthermore, a multilayered electromagnetic functional device is developed to facilitate the absorber's phase transition temperature at a voltage of 17.5 V. This work presents promising opportunities of the V₂C-VO₂(M) heterostructure for various applications, including radar stealth, portable stealth suits, signal regulation, and deicing.     

Evaluation and Failure Mechanism of High-Temperature Microwave Absorption for Heterogeneous Phase Enhanced High-Entropy Transition Metal Oxides

Herein, magnetic and conductive heterogeneous nickel-matrix alloy is in situ constructed in the high-entropy transition metal oxide matrix using a reductive circumstance, to form the high-temperature resistant microwave absorbers. The ohmic, dielectric polarization and magnetic loss are enhanced synergistically, prompting the improvement of loss capacity and optimization of the impedance matching feature. The composites achieve over 90% absorption in the whole Ku band with a thickness of just 1.55 mm at room temperature. Moreover, the in situ high temperature measured microwave absorption keeps stable till 500 °C. In situ characterizations are employed to investigate the evolution processes and failure mechanisms. As the temperature elevates, there are three distinct stages. The absorber goes through minor chemical reactions, consequent elimination of magnetic loss, and a rapid increase in electroconductivity. These behaviors culminate in impedance mismatch, finally worsening its absorption performance at elevated temperatures. The proposed evaluation process reveals how the above irreversible and reversible behaviors affect high-temperature microwave absorption, providing an effective theoretical basis for the design of high-temperature microwave absorbers.     

Metal Ions Confined in Periodic Pores of MOFs to Embed Single-Metal Atoms within Hierarchically Porous Carbon Nanoflowers for High-Performance Electromagnetic Wave Absorption

Nanocarbons with single-metal atoms (M-SAs) have displayed considerable potential in various fields of application due to high free energy of M-SAs and strong metal-support interaction. However, the uniform dispersion of M-SAs within the whole carbon matrix still remains a great challenge. Herein, Ni-SAs are uniformly dispersed within hierarchically porous carbon nanoflowers (Ni-SA/HPCF) via a spatial confinement of Ni ions within the periodic pores in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with a subsequent carbonization process. The Ni-SA/HPCF with abundant mesopores and an ultrahigh surface area (1137.2 m² g⁻¹) exhibits unexpected electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption property with a minimal reflection loss of –53.2 dB and an effective absorption bandwidth of 5.0 GHz, while the filler ratio in the matrix is merely 10 wt.%. Density functional theory calculations and experimental results reveal that the uniformly dispersed Ni-SAs break local symmetry of the electronic structure and increase electrical conductivity of host carbon matrix, thereby enhancing the EMW absorption properties. In addition, the unique 3D hierarchical porous morphology boosts the impedance matching property, which synergistically improves the EMW absorption performance of the Ni-SA/HPCF. This study provides an efficient approach to uniformly disperse M-SAs within hierarchically porous nanocarbons for EMW absorption and other potential applications.     

The Role of Chirality and Resonance in Synthetic Microwave Absorbers

Microwave absorption by a lossy dielectric material containing thin metal wires is considered. The wires are bent to create either chiral, non-chiral or racemic unit cells. No physical mechanism is found to support patents which were granted between 1990 and 1993, and related claims in the engineering literature, that chirality is the key to improved microwave absorbers. Instead, in synthetic composites which employ thin metal wires in a lossy dielectric host, half-wave resonance of the inclusions – not their geometric shape – is identified as the mechanism responsible for enhanced absorption. It is also found that – even in an essentially lossless host – resonant steel wires, whether chiral or not, can strongly absorb electromagnetic waves.     

Multifunctional Shape Memory Composites for Joule Heating,Self-Healing,and Highly Efficient Microwave Absorption

Traditional microwaves absorption materials (MAMs) are applied in the form of coatings, generally inflexible, with high production costs and poor adaptability to applications in different locations. The diversification of application scenarios requires materials with multifunctionalities, but it is extremely challenging to integrate multifunctionalities within single material at present. Herein, a multifunctional CoNC@GN/PCL/TPU MAMs is synthesized. The CoNC@GN nano-micro absorber has high-efficiency microwave absorption ability. The electromagnetic microwave absorption performance is ultra-light (4 wt.%), ultra-thin (2.3 mm), and broadband (6.21 GHz), which is better than similar MAMs. Additionally, the samples have highly efficient electro-thermal conversion properties, enabling controlled electrical heating performance and excellent self-healing properties. More remarkably, the sample has an electrically driven shape memory effect that allows the material to target the absorption of multi-angle incident electromagnetic waves. Therefore, CoNC@GN/PCL/TPU absorbers are the key to truly opening up opportunities for flexible, shape memory, and multifunctional absorbers in frontier applications such as wearables, deformable robots, and chip protection.     

Atomic Tuning in Electrically Conducting Bimetallic Organic Frameworks for Controllable Electromagnetic Wave Absorption

Due to the structural complexity and limited controllability of conventional microwave-absorption materials (MAMs), the precise regulation of atomically-resolved structures and properties of MAMs remains a significant challenge. The interpretation of the dielectric loss mechanism is usually conduction and polarization losses, while the absence of components-regulated template materials further hinders the disclosure of the mechanism. Herein, based on the customizable functionality of the MOF platform, a series of pristine bimetallic MOFs with precise and controllable conductivity are successfully constructed through the bimetallic alloying strategy. The controllability is attributed to the alteration of free-carrier concentration and the subtle difference of interlayer displacement or spacing, both of which originate from the atomic tuning of hetero-metal. Notably, Cu_1.3Ni_1.7(HITP)₂ features an ultra-high absorption strength (reflection loss, RL = −71.5 dB) and an ultra-wide maximum bandwidth (6.16 GHz) at only 15% filling, which ranked in the upper range of all reported MAMs. Due to the metal co-synergies, Cu_1.3Ni_1.7(HITP)₂ possesses a switchable high absorption peak in a wide range (4–18 GHz). This work opens up an avenue for tailoring the atomic tuning of new MOF-based electromagnetic wave absorbers and provides a conceptually novel platform.     

Application of a microgenetic algorithm (MGA) to the design ofbroadband microwave absorbers using multiple frequency selective surfacescreens buried in dielectrics

Over the years, frequency selective surfaces (FSSs) have found frequent use as radomes and spatial filters in both commercial and military applications. In the literature, the problem of synthesizing broadband microwave absorbers using multilayered dielectrics through the application of genetic algorithms (GAs) have been dealt with successfully. Spatial filters employing multiple, freestanding, FSS screens have been successfully designed by utilizing a domain-decomposed GA. We present a procedure for synthesizing broadband microwave absorbers by using multiple FSS screens buried in a dielectric composite. A binary coded microgenetic algorithm (MGA) is applied to optimize various parameters, viz., the thickness and relative permittivity of each dielectric layer; the FSS screen designs and materials; their x- and y-periodicities; and their placement within the dielectric composite. The result is a multilayer composite that provides maximum absorption of both transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) waves simultaneously for a prescribed range of frequencies and incident angles. This technique automatically places an upper bound on the total thickness of the composite. While a single FSS screen is analyzed using the electric field integral equation (EFIE), multiple FSS screens are analyzed using the scattering matrix technique     

Confined Diffusion Strategy for Customizing Magnetic Coupling Spaces to Enhance Low-frequency Electromagnetic Wave Absorption

The rational design of magnetic composites has great potential for electromagnetic (EM) absorption, particularly in the low-frequency range of 2–8 GHz. However, the scalable synthesis of such magnetic absorbers with both high magnetic content and good dispersity remains challenging. In this study, a confined diffusion strategy is proposed to fabricate functional magnetic-carbon hollow microspheres. Driven by the ferromagnetic enhanced Kirkendall diffusion effect, the in situ alloying of FeCo nanoparticles is tightly confined in carbon shells, effectively inhibiting magnetic agglomeration. Moreover, the core–shell FeCo–carbon nano-units further assemble into dispersive microscale magnetic-carbon Janus bulges on both the inner and outer surfaces of the hollow microsphere. The optimized hollow FeCo@C microspheres exhibit excellent low-frequency EM wave absorption performance: the minimum reflection loss (RL_min) is −35.9 dB, and the absorption bandwidth covers almost the entire C-band. Systematic investigation reveals that the large size of the magnetic-carbon integration, high–density confined magnetic units, and strong magnetic coupling are essential for enhancing the magnetic loss dissipation of low-frequency EM waves. This study provides a novel strategy for fabricating advanced EM wave absorbers and significant inspiration for investigating the magnetic attenuation mechanism at low frequency.     

Large Annular Dipoles Bounded between Single-Atom Co and Co Cluster for Clarifying Electromagnetic Wave Absorbing Mechanism

It is very challenging to demonstrate the intrinsic feature and absorption mechanism for electromagnetic (EM) wave absorber since dipole polarization loss is always discussed together with magnetic loss, conductive loss, defects/interfacial polarization, and so on. To address this issue, here, a kind of atomic composites is reported, including single-atom Co and Co cluster with controllable atom dipole to tune the polarization and establish the link between dipole polarization and the EM wave absorption. Using a chemical synthesis route, the atomic composites are fabricated, including Co single-atom (SA) sites and cluster (Cs) on nitrogen-doped graphitic carbon (Co_1+Cs/NGC). Due to the special design, the effect of magnetic loss, conductive loss, and interfacial polarization on EM wave dissipation can be ignored so that it can only highlight dielectric loss caused by dipole polarization. And, by controlling the Co atoms concentration, it can tune the valence state of Co atoms between 0 to +2 to control dipole polarization and relaxation. As a result, the Co_1+Cs/NGC-2 with Co concentration of 6.0 wt% exhibits optimized dipole moments and thus excellent absorption performance (the reflection loss exceeds −54.3 dB, and the effective absorption bandwidth with RL ≤−10 dB reaches 7.0 GHz at 2.0 mm) due to the effective dipole polarization caused by the large annular dipole bounded between Co SA sites and Co Cs. This study proposes a simplified model to clarify EM wave absorption mechanism from atom view.     

Quasi-Ordered Nanoforests with Hybrid Plasmon Resonances for Broadband Absorption and Photodetection

With the continuing development of green energy technology, solar energy is the most widely distributed and easily utilized form of energy in nature. High-absorption absorbers over a wide spectrum range are beneficial for solar energy harvest. Herein, a fast and efficient method is developed to fabricate a broadband absorber consisting of quasi-ordered nanoforests and metal nanoparticles using a simple plasma bombardment process on a 4-inch silicon wafer, offering high throughputs that can meet practical application demands. The absorber exhibits high absorption exceeding 90% from 300 to 2500 nm, good absorption stability with negligible disturbance from the polarization and the incident angle of light. This effective absorption behavior can be ascribed to multilevel hybridization of the plasmon resonances in the hybrid structures and cavity mode resonances inside the nanoforests. Furthermore, the absorber is integrated onto a thermopile for photodetection with largely enhanced photoresponse from 532 to 2200 nm. The photoinduced voltage of the devices shows a large increment of 433% at 100 mW cm⁻² light power density, in comparison with a contrast pristine thermopile. It is expected that such a broadband absorber holds great potential for multiple applications, including solar steam generation, photodetection, and solar cells.     

Catfish Effect Induced by Anion Sequential Doping for Microwave Absorption

Heteroatom doping engineering is desirable in tuning crystal structures and electrical properties, which is considered an opportunity to further develop microwave absorption materials. However, the competition mechanism and priority among doped atoms have not been revealed, which are insufficient to guide the most reasonable dielectric coupling model and design high-performance absorbers. In this work, based on in situ N and O, ex situ S is introduced through external thermal driving, leading to fierce competition among anions. Specifically, S atoms replace pyrrole N, drive out lattice O, and create O vacancies, bringing more extensive local charge redistribution and stronger electron interaction, thus activating the defect-induced polarization (3–6 times higher than conduction loss) in the middle/high-frequency region. Therefore, the effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 9.03 GHz and the minimum reflection loss (RL_min) of −64.05 dB at a filling rate of 10 wt.% are obtained, which improves the record of carbon absorbers as reported. Through macro-designs, i.e., multi-layer gradient metamaterial, or utilizing other advantages, e.g., cost-effective, stable chemical properties and wide-angle absorption, porous carbon may possess a great application prospect in the naval field.     

Hollow Engineering to Co@N-Doped Carbon Nanocages via Synergistic Protecting-Etching Strategy for Ultrahigh Microwave Absorption

Rational manipulation of hollow structure with uniform heterojunctions is evolving as an effective approach to meet the lightweight and high-performance microwave absorption for metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) derived absorbers. Herein, a new and controlled synergistic protecting-etching strategy is proposed to construct shelled ZIF-67 rhombic dodecahedral cages using tannic acid under theoretical guidance, then hollow Co@N-doped carbon nanocages with uniform heterojunctions and hierarchical micro-meso-macropores are obtained via a pyrolysis process, which addresses the shortcomings of using sacrificing templates or corrosive agents. The outer Co@N-doped carbon shell, composed of highly dispersive core-shell heterojunctions, possesses micro-mesopores while the inner hollow macroporous cavity endows the absorbers with lightweight characteristics. Accordingly, the maximum reflection loss is −60.6 dB at 2.4 mm and the absorption bandwidth reaches 5.1 GHz at 1.9 mm with 10 wt% filler loading, exhibiting superior specific reflection loss compared with the vast majority of previous MOFs derived absorbers. Furthermore, this synergistic protecting-etching strategy provides inspiration for precisely creating a hollow void inside other MOFs crystals and broadens the desirable candidates for lightweight and high-efficient microwave absorbers.     

频率选择表面结构吸波体的电磁特性研究

采用时域有限差分法(FDTD)计算了蝶形和方环形FSS单元图形的反射与传输特性以及反射信号与入射信号的相位关系,并对计算结果进行了分析.结果表明电磁波的干涉相消是FSS吸波体吸波的主要原因,并且当反射电磁波满足2nπ的相位关系时才能达到最佳吸波效果;FSS吸波体的中心频率随介质层厚度的增加而下降;介质层厚度为5 mm时...     

可用于农药传感的多带太赫兹超材料吸收器

多带太赫兹超材料吸收器是响应、操纵和调制太赫兹波的重要光子元件。本文基于周期性分裂环谐振器结构构建了一种多带太赫兹超材料吸收器。模拟和实验测试显示,在横磁(TM)极化情况下该超材料吸收器对0.918 THz和1.581 THz处的入射太赫兹波呈现出近似完美吸收。进一步,基于器件共振吸收峰的介电敏感特性,研究了负载不同浓度的多菌灵、三环唑、百草枯、塞苯隆4种农药溶液后超材料吸收器的传感性能,获得器件对4种农药的检测灵敏度分别为：1.06 GHz/ppm、0.65 GHz/ppm、0.67 GHz/ppm、2.07 GHz/ppm。结果表明该器件可实现对微量农药的传感检测,为今后食品质量安全控制提供了新的思路。