MXene-CNTs/Co dielectric-electromagnetic synergistic composites with multi-heterogeneous interfaces for microwave absorption

In view of the growing concern over electromagnetic wave pollution, the evolution of efficient microwave absorbing (MA) composites has emerged as a pivotal research area for scientists and engineers. In this study, MXene-CNTs/Co (MCC) composites with tunable and efficient MA properties were successfully prepared from a structural design perspective that capitalizes on dielectric-magnetic synergy. The electromagnetic properties of the composites were effectively regulated by adjusting the length and content of the CNTs. As expected, the design of the MCC composite absorber has a minimum reflection loss (RL_min) of −62.53 dB with a matched thickness of 1.59 mm. With an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 4.20 GHz (12.48–16.68 GHz) and a matched thickness of 1.38 mm, the RL_min remains an impressive −41.29 dB. The exceptional MA characteristics are ascribed to its distinctive three-dimensional (3D) electromagnetic network configuration, which optimizes impedance matching and augments multi-component polarization loss and reflection/scattering capabilities. The findings of this study offer novel insights and methodologies for the advancement of efficient and tunable microwave absorbing materials.