Multifunctional carbon nanofiber-SiC nanowire aerogel films with superior microwave absorbing performance

Obtaining multifunctional materials with desired properties for astronautics is a challenge. In this work, carbon nanofiber (CNF) and SiC-CNF aerogel films are fabricated using bacterial cellulose as scaffolds, which offer industrial-scale production and excellent mechanical strength and stability. The produced aerogel films demonstrate excellent microwave absorption and low thermal conductivity properties. Further, the microwave absorption properties of the aerogels were significantly enhanced due to the proper impedance matching and interface polarizations following the in situ growth of SiC nanowires. In consequence, SiC-CNF aerogel films show enhanced electromagnetic wave absorption, including the minimum reflection loss of −53.3 dB and low thermal conductivity of 0.046 W/m·K at 200 °C. Our work can provide new insight into the fabrication of multifunctional ceramic aerogels for critical applications. The SiC nanowire-carbon nanofiber (SiC-CNFs) aerogels were fabricated, and the as-obtained samples possessed excellent microwave absorption and thermal insulation properties.