Synthesis of FeCoNi/C decorated graphene composites derived from trimetallic metal-organic framework as ultrathin and high-performance electromagnetic wave absorbers

High-temperature pyrolysis of metal-organic framework (MOF) is an effective way to prepare lightweight and high-performance electromagnetic wave absorbers. In this work, iron cobalt nickel/carbon (FeCoNi/C) decorated graphene composites were fabricated by the two-step method of solvothermal reaction and pyrolysis treatment. Results of micromorphology analysis demonstrated that numerous octahedral FeCoNi/C carbon frameworks were almost uniformly distributed on the wrinkled surfaces of flaky graphene. Moreover, the electromagnetic parameters and wave absorbing properties of obtained composites were regulated through simply changing the addition amounts of graphene oxide. Significantly, the as-prepared FeCoNi/C decorated graphene composite with the addition amount of graphene oxide of 67.2 mg exhibited the best electromagnetic absorption performance. The minimum reflection loss was as large as -66 dB at 15.6 GHz and broad absorption bandwidth reached up to 4.8 GHz with an ultrathin thickness of 1.53 mm and a filler loading ratio of 30 wt%. Furthermore, the maximum absorption bandwidth was enlarged to 5.2 GHz via slightly adjusting the matching thickness to 1.56 mm. Additionally, the probable electromagnetic attenuation mechanisms of attained composites were proposed. The results of this study would provide a reference for the preparation of MOF derived carbon-based magnetic composites as ultrathin and high-performance electromagnetic absorbers.