Multiple tuned carbon nanotubes by rare earth oxides for high-efficiency electromagnetic wave absorption

Abstract

Optimizing high dielectric constant materials is a promising strategy for manufacturing efficient electromagnetic wave absorbing materials, which aims to fully exploit the performance advantages of micro-nano materials and overcome the adverse effects at low scales. This requires reasonable and meticulous component optimization. The low-cost and environmentally friendly fillers possess significant advantages. In this work, two specifications of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are selected as the research objects. A simple solvothermal method is used to compound rare earth oxides (REO). Finally, CNTs/REO composites are prepared. The effects of different particle sizes on the electromagnetic wave absorption properties of the system are studied in detail from the microscopic morphology. Improve the interface effect and impedance matching in the system. When the filling amount is 30 wt.%, the minimum reflection loss (RL_min) can reach − 69.94 dB, and the effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) is widened from 3.00 to 5.20 GHz. The huge performance span is attributed to the optimization of REO nanoparticles in the regulation of CNTs from morphology structure to electromagnetic parameters. The interfacial polarization, dielectric polarization, and dipole relaxation are improved significantly. The excellent electromagnetic wave absorption performance makes CNTs/REO have great application prospects in electronic devices. In addition, radar cross section (RCS) simulation provides theoretical support for the practical application of CNTs/REO composites.

Graphical Abstract