Dual-pathway optimization on microwave absorption characteristics of core–shell Fe3O4@C microcapsules: Composition regulation on magnetic core and MoS2 nanosheets growth on carbon shell

Core-shell Fe3O4@C composites with unique configuration and complementary loss mechanisms are widely considered as a kind of prospective functional materials in the field of microwave absorption. However, the balance between core–shell configuration and intrinsic loss is always a thorny problem on the way of good microwave absorption characteristics. Herein, we propose a dual-pathway optimization strategy to consolidate the electromagnetic functions of core–shell Fe3O4@C microcapsules for the first time. On one hand, the chemical composition of magnetic core is finely regulated from Fe3O4 to metal Fe, and it is found that both magnetic loss and dielectric loss can be strengthened effectively through the partial reduction of Fe3O4 core. On the other hand, MoS2 nanosheets are closely anchored on the surface of carbon shell, which can bring more powerful interfacial polarization and dipole polarization to compensate the insufficient dielectric loss caused by the limited thickness and graphitization degree of carbon shell. With the multiple benefits from the dual-pathway optimization strategy, the optimal composite will present good microwave absorption performance, whose effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) and minimum RL value are 5.4 GHz (d = 1.8 mm) and −36.1 dB (5.9 GHz, 4.0 mm), respectively. In particular, its specific EABs (EAB per unit thickness) in different bands are superior to those of most microwave absorbing materials with similar chemical composition. These results demonstrate that this dual-pathway optimization will open a new avenue to enhance microwave absorption performance of core–shell composites in the future.