Ferric metal-organic framework for microwave absorption

In this study, we have shown for the first time that ferric metal-organic framework (Fe-MOF) has the ability to attenuate gigahertz-range electromagnetic radiation through means of a novel interference mechanism. A large reflection loss value of −54.2 dB can be obtained, equivalent to over 99.999% absorption efficiency. The microwave absorption performance is largely dependent on the dielectric permittivity and magnetic permeability properties. The electrical loss ratio tgδε increases with the frequency from 0.13 at 1.0 GHz to 0.69 at 18.0 GHz, while the magnetic loss ratio tgδμ is only between 0.05 and 0.14. The conductivity σ increases with the frequency from 0.08 S/m at 1.0 GHz to 5.24 S/m at 18.0 GHz, while the skin-depth δ decreases with the frequency. The thickness (d) of the absorber is inversely proportional to the reflection loss peak value (RLpeak), the reflection loss peak frequency (fpeak), and the critical reflection loss peak width (Δf10). The non-zero magnetic susceptibility (χ) accelerates the shift of fpeak to lower values as d grows bigger; however, it improves the RLpeak value and larger microwave absorption efficiency and reduces the quick narrowing of the critical frequency range. The microwave performance of Fe-MOF is likely related to its microwave conductivity, which may originate from the polar rotations in the interface or defects. A new mechanism is proposed for the large reflection loss based on the interference of the reflected microwave from the front and back surface of the microwave absorber, especially when the thickness matches with the odd integer values of the wavelength.