Gene-Implanting by a Porphyrin Derivative to Establish Quasi-antennas into the Carbon Microspheres toward Superior Microwave Absorbing/Shielding Performance

Abstract

Carbon microspheres (CMSs) are recognized as highly effective microwave absorbers due to their exceptional wave absorption properties. In this study, 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-aminophenyl)porphyrin, a metamaterial, was chemically bonded to CMSs─considered a conjugated carbon structure─using a 1,3-dibromopropane linker to explore the synergistic properties and microwave absorption capabilities of the synthesized composite. The synthesized structures were characterized by using X-ray diffraction, FE-SEM, Fourier transform infrared, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and VNA analyses. Remarkably, the gene-modified microwave absorber demonstrated a maximum reflection loss of −105.58 dB at 22.93 GHz, with an ultrathin thickness of only 0.50 mm. When the architected samples were blended with poly(methyl methacrylate), a practical polymer, they exhibited a broad efficient bandwidth across the entire K-band, coupled with moderate shielding effectiveness, making them ideal for mitigating electromagnetic pollution in everyday life. This study offers inspiration for researchers to fabricate and design new enhanced microwave absorbers for a range of applications.