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Ultralow-Frequency Epsilon-Near-Zero States in 3D-Printed High-Entropy Alloy Metacomposites for Ultra-Thin Perfect RF
Peitao Xie1,2,3, Haikun Wu1, Zhenxiang Cheng2
1School of Materials Science & Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|January 28, 2026
Summary
This study introduces 3D-printed metacomposites for ultra-thin, low-frequency perfect absorption using epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) materials. These novel materials enhance electromagnetic stealth and signal integrity for 5G and IoT applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Electromagnetics
Background:
- Epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) materials are crucial for advanced applications like electromagnetic stealth, 5G signal integrity, and IoT security.
- Achieving low-frequency, ultra-thin ENZ absorption with broadband capabilities remains a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop 3D-printed metacomposites for achieving low-frequency, ultra-thin ENZ perfect absorption.
- To engineer materials that overcome limitations in current ENZ absorption technologies.
Main Methods:
- Confining high-entropy alloy (HEA) nanoparticles within hierarchically ordered porous carbon (HOPC) via 3D printing.
- Leveraging HEA's flattened band structures and interfacial electron redistribution to tune plasma frequency.
- Utilizing resonant enhancement from surface plasmons, interfacial polarization, and hierarchical pore-cavity modes.
Main Results:
- Achieved >90% absorption at low frequencies (55-110 MHz) with an ultra-thin thickness (d/△λ<1/2455).
- Suppressed plasma frequency to 72.4 MHz by maximizing electron effective mass and reducing carrier concentration.
- Demonstrated an ultra-broadband |ε'|<1 response (55-110 MHz) through engineered cancellation of permittivity components.
- Exhibited angle robustness and broad bandwidth for ENZ-mode perfect absorption.
Conclusions:
- Established a new paradigm for ENZ engineering via material genesis, surpassing traditional metamaterial arrays.
- The developed metacomposites offer a promising solution for next-generation electromagnetic stealth, 5G, and IoT security.
- Demonstrated a 'cocktail effect' where increasing entropy reduces plasma frequency.
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