Ti3C2Tx/Co-MOF derived TiO2/Co/C composites for broadband and high absorption of electromagnetic wave

With the dramatic development of electronic and radar detection technologies, electromagnetic (EM) wave absorbing and shielding materials with superior microwave absorption (MWA) performance, light weight and wide bandwidth are widely concerned. Herein, novel Ti3C2Tx/Co-MOF derived TiO2/Co/C composite architectures with rutile-TiO2 decorated carbon flakes originated from Ti3C2Tx and Co/C composites with wrapped Co in the tips of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are fabricated by in-situ solvothermal growth and pyrolysis. The multi-component synergistic effect and appropriate combination with adjustable amount of Ti3C2Tx loading and Co-MOF size optimize the impedance matching and exhibit satisfactory broadband EM wave absorption. The nanocomposites achieve effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 5.48 GHz at only 1.7 mm, and the minimum reflection loss (RLmin) value of −50.45 dB at 7.32 GHz with a 3.0 mm thickness. The outstanding broadband MWA properties cover nearly the whole frequency bands of C, X, and Ku with the corresponding RLmin values almost below −30 dB. This work highlights a promising strategy to design and synthesize various MOF-derived carbon composites with excellent MWA capacities.