MOF on MOF-derived Cu2Se/CoSe2-CN@CNTs composites for enhanced electromagnetic wave absorption

Enhancing polarization loss through engineering has become a key approach to improving electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption performance. However, balancing conductive loss (CL) with polarization loss (PL) to achieve a synergistic increase in dielectric loss (DL) remains difficult. This work enables selenides and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to coexist within a metal-organic framework (MOF) on MOF-derived composite materials by using a rational component design. CNTs form carrier channel bridges between MOF islands, while semiconductor selenides help balance impedance. Schottky heterointerfaces between selenides and carbon materials boost interfacial polarization. Meanwhile, defect-induced and dipolar polarization work together to promote EMW attenuation. As a result, the prepared Cu 2 Se/CoSe 2 -CN@CNTs achieves a reflection loss of −60.79 dB at a thickness of just 1.25 mm, meeting the need for lightweight design. In radar cross-section simulation and corrosion resistance tests, Cu 2 Se/CoSe 2 -CN@CNTs as a composite coating shows excellent performance, indicating broad application potential. This study advances the role of PL through component design, offering a new strategy for enhancing the EMW absorbing performance of MOF-derived composite materials. • The Cu 2 Se/CoSe 2 -CN@CNTs composite material is derived from a MOF on MOF precursor through component design. • The enhanced interfacial polarization, doping polarization, and dipolar polarization improve the dielectric loss. • Prepared Cu 2 Se/CoSe 2 -CN@CNTs reaches −60.79 dB reflection loss at 1.25 mm thickness, meeting lightweight design needs. • In RCS and corrosion tests, Cu 2 Se/CoSe 2 -CN@CNTs coating shows excellent performance, with broad prospects.