Construction of multi-interface PDA-NiCo2S4 nanomaterials for synergistic design of efficient microwave absorption and anti-corrosion effects

The modern and complex environment requires microwave absorbing materials (MAMs) that can cope with environmental changes. In particular, the high humidity, high salt spray and high temperature of the marine environment conditions have been the toughest. Consequently, the development of integrated materials with both microwave absorption (MA) and corrosion resistance has emerged as a top priority. In this work, spherical NiCo2S4 (NCS) particles with stable size were prepared by a simple solvothermal method. Furthermore, the self-polymerization of dopamine (PDA) on the surface of NCS was achieved by exploiting the film-forming ease of dopamine. A series of PDA-NCS particles with different interfaces were fabricated by tuning the ratio of NCS and dopamine. The integrated magneto-electric drive synergy enhances the impedance matching. Multiple heterogeneous interfaces enhance the depletion efficiency of electromagnetic waves (EMWs) within the material. The samples designed have achieved an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) value of 6.26 GHz and a maximum reflection loss value of −22 dB at a low thickness of 1.7 mm. Meanwhile, due to the electrochemical protection reaction of anode of metal and the passivation effect of barrier by PDA. The prepared coatings maintained favorable corrosion resistance in 240 h of continuous salt spray environment. Moreover, after the 240 h salt spray experiment, the sample realized the EAB value of 4.77 GHz at a thickness of 1.7 mm. This work breaks new ground for the development of absorbing and anti-corrosion integrated materials.