Enhancement of polarization loss through surface modification strategies with MoS2 nanosheets for achieving high-efficiency electromagnetic wave absorption in biomass-derived carbon fibers

Abstract

Efficient electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption materials represent an effective means to mitigate electromagnetic radiation. Biomass-derived carbon materials have emerged as one of the research hotspots in the field of electromagnetic wave absorption due to their widespread availability, sustainability, and unique natural structures. However, achieving optimal EMW absorption performance is challenging due to the limited dielectric loss sources of single carbon materials. Molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂), as a two-dimensional layered transition metal sulfide, exhibits strong interface and defect polarization losses due to its large specific surface area and adjustable lamellar structure. In this study, MoS₂-decorated cattail-derived carbon fibers (CCFs) were successfully synthesized through a combination of high-temperature carbonization and hydrothermal reaction. By adjusting the loading amount of MoS₂ nanosheets on the surface of CCFs, the optimal MoS₂/CCFs-X nanocomposite exhibited minimum reflection loss of −39.1 dB and maximum effective absorption bandwidth of 4.4 GHz with a thickness of 1.7 mm. This work synergistically leverages the advantages of both biomass-derived carbon fibers and MoS₂, providing an effective strategy for the manufacture of high-performance EMW absorbing materials with potential for large-scale production.