Cubic-like Co/NC composites derived from ZIF-67 with a dual control strategy of size and graphitization degree for microwave absorption

MOFs with high tunability are considered ideal candidates as microwave-absorbing materials. Strict experimental conditions can ensure the repeatability and maximize the potential of such materials. In this study, cubic ZIF-67 carbides synthesized at different solution temperatures showed an adjustable average size, and then by adjusting the calcination temperature we could control the degree of graphitization, so as to explore the synergistic effect of these two aspects to achieve an in-depth understanding of the electromagnetic properties and microwave absorption properties. The results showed that sample 30-600 (with the former number referring to the synthesis temperature and the latter to the calcination temperature) showed the widest effective absorption bandwidth (5.75 GHz, 1.8 mm) and the optimal reflection loss (-56.92 dB, 2.1 mm). The best matching electromagnetic parameters were obtained under the synergistic action of a smaller particle size and appropriate degree of graphitization, so as to achieve strong attenuation characteristics under low electromagnetic wave reflection. The microwave loss mechanism of the sample mainly involved dielectric losses, such as from conductance loss, dipole polarization, and interface polarization. Starting from the experimental details, this work proposes a dual control strategy for developing microwave-absorbing materials with both simplicity and practicability, which provides a useful reference for other microwave absorbents synthesized at room temperature.