Highly effective electromagnetic wave absorbing Prismatic Co/C nanocomposites derived from cubic metal-organic framework

In this contribution, the cubic metal-organic framework of [Co(INA)2] was designed and synthesized by using a cheap and non-toxic ligand of isonicotinic acid (INA). After pyrolysis at 600–700 °C in argon atmosphere, the prismatic Co/C nanocomposites were obtained with cobalt nanoparticles in graphitic carbons. The nanocomposites show favorable impedance matching and extraordinary electromagnetic wave absorption performance from C band to Ku band. The Co/C-650 pyrolyzed at 650 °C shows the best electromagnetic wave absorption at a thickness of 2.0 mm, i.e. a minimum reflection coefficient of −47.6 dB and a broad effective absorption bandwidth of 5.11 GHz. The novel prismatic Co/C nanocomposites possess great potential in smart electromagnetic wave absorbing/shielding devices and systems.