Multifunctional chitosan-derived MnO@C aerogels with high radar-infrared compatible stealth

The increasing demand for advanced detection technologies has highlighted the need for materials with efficient electromagnetic wave absorption (EMWA) and thermal stealth, crucial for radar-infrared compatibility. In this study, we synthesized honeycomb-like porous MnO@C aerogels via the sol-gel method, achieving remarkable multifunctional properties. The MnO@C-10 wt% (10 wt% Mn) exhibited a minimum reflection loss (RL_min) of −54.08 dB at an optimum thickness of 3.2 mm and a maximum effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 5.96 GHz at 2.6 mm. Additionally, it demonstrated a significant reduction in radar scattering cross section (RCS) of 27.2 dB m² at 0^o detection angle. The material's infrared stealth was confirmed by its ability to maintain a surface color consistent with its surroundings and a surface temperature of approximately 30 °C after heating at 90 °C for 1 h, highlighting its superior infrared stealth and thermal insulation capabilities. Furthermore, MnO@C-10 wt% showed exceptional mechanical robustness, supporting a load of 57,594 times its weight, and exhibited excellent flame resistance, retaining its integrity under an alcohol lamp flame. The synergistic interaction between MnO and biomass-derived carbon offers a novel approach to developing multifunctional materials with integrated radar and infrared stealth functionalities, paving the way for advanced stealth technologies.