High Absorption of Electromagnetic Waves Based on 3D PMMA@Mxene@Co₃O₄ Composite Microsphere

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Electromagnetics

Background:

• Growing demand for effective electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbers in modern electronics and 5G systems.
• Limitations of traditional wave-absorbing materials in meeting current performance requirements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel three-dimensional (3D) composite material for enhanced EMW absorption.
• To investigate the impact of Co₃O₄ content on the electromagnetic properties of PMMA@Mxene@Co₃O₄ composites.

Main Methods:

• In situ self-assembly and hydrothermal growth techniques were employed to synthesize PMMA@Mxene@Co₃O₄ microspheres.
• Systematic variation of Co₃O₄ content to tune electromagnetic properties.

Main Results:

• The optimal 3D composite exhibited a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of -52.88 dB at 6.88 GHz.
• An effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 5.28 GHz was achieved with a sample thickness of 2.5 mm.
• Demonstrated enhanced dielectric-magnetic synergy due to the combination of Mxene's conductivity and Co₃O₄'s magnetic loss.

Conclusions:

• The 3D PMMA@Mxene@Co₃O₄ composite shows significant potential as a high-performance microwave absorber.
• The study provides insights into material design for lightweight, high-performance EMW absorbing materials through optimized impedance matching and microstructure design.