Co/C composites generated from biomass exhibit outstanding electromagnetic wave absorption

• Published in: Diamond and related materials Vol. 138; p. 110191
• Main Authors: Zhao, Yan, Li, Mengyu, Shi, Qiong, Li, Bingguo, Hu, Zhentao, Li, Jianjun, Wan, Xianglong, Yu, Haizhu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.10.2023
• Subjects: Biomass; Co/C composite; Microwave absorption; Synergistic effect; Microwave absorption; Biomass; Synergistic effect; Co/C composite
• ISSN: 0925-9635
• DOI: 10.1016/j.diamond.2023.110191

The development of high-performance electromagnetic wave-absorbent materials from inexpensive biomass feedstock is currently the subject of considerable interest. In this study, we developed Co/C composites with excellent electromagnetic wave absorption properties using a simple carbonization method with mangosteen shells as a precursor. The Co/C composite has a minimum reflection loss value (RLmin) of −61.88 dB and a maximum effective absorption bandwidth of 6.32 GHz. For thicknesses ranging from 1 to 5.5 mm, the effective absorption frequency range could cover the entire C, X, and Ku bands. The magnetic loss produced by Co and the dielectric loss, dipole polarization, interfacial polarization, and multiple reflections of biomass carbon synergies enhance the impedance matching capabilities and microwave absorption performance of the composites. The results demonstrate that the activated mangosteen shell magnetic composite has a wider effective absorption bandwidth and greater absorption intensity. This work provides a good potential method for preparation of magnetic particle/biomass-derived carbon microwave absorbing structural materials. [Display omitted] •Utilizing a simple carbonization procedure, Co was effectively incorporated into the resulting carbon material.•The reflection loss of the Co/C composite is −61.88 dB, and the bandwidth is up to 6.32 GHz at 2.16 mm thickness.•Biomass charcoal from mangosteen shells is inexpensive and can be produced in large quantities.