Achieving the low emissivity of graphene oxide based film for micron-level electromagnetic waves stealth application

In recent years, the development of advanced materials with enhanced micron-level electromagnetic waves stealth properties has garnered significant attention due to their applications in fields such as military technology and thermal insulation. This study primarily investigates the stealth characteristics of materials within the 8–14 μm electromagnetic wave band, commonly known as the infrared (IR) spectrum. The effect of metallic Ag nanoparticles on the graphene oxide (GO) was obtained to achieve the excellent IR stealth ability. Specifically, Ag/GO composite films were prepared using a one-step reduction method and vacuum-assisted drying. The IR emissivity (8–14 μm) of the composites was significantly reduced with increasing Ag content, and the electrical conductivity of the materials was enhanced. When the Ag/GO mass ratio in the material was 1:2, the IR emissivity of the material at 8–14 μm was as low as 0.279, which was 62 % lower compared to GO. In addition, IR thermograms of the composites were analyzed using an IR thermographic camera. Obviously, the composites exhibited significant IR stealth properties when compared with those of GO. Thus, this work provides a reference for the preparation of carbon-based low IR emissivity materials for infrared stealth application.