Superior electromagnetic wave absorption performance of TiC nanoparticles embedded into nitrogen‐doping carbon nanohorns in one-step synthesis

The TiC/carbon composites have been acknowledged as superior materials for the absorption of electromagnetic waves. In this study, a nonequilibrium strategy involving the evaporation of Ti wire and graphite anode in Ar and N2 atmospheres was used to synthesize TiC nanoparticles encapsulated by N-doped hollow carbon nanohorns (referred to as TiC@NCNHs) in a single step. The N-doping amount can reach up to 6.7 at%. Notably, TiC@NCNHs with 6.5wt%, 7.0wt%, and 8.0wt% TiC nanoparticles show remarkable microwave absorption performance at X-band. Specifically, the RLmin value of TiC@NCNHs with 7.5wt% TiC nanoparticles can reach -44.66 dB at 14.4 GHz with a thickness of 1.7 mm. This exceptional absorption of microwaves is attributed to the dielectric loss achieved through the interface between TiC nanoparticles and the unique hollow structure of carbon nanohorns, resulting in differentiated multiple reflection paths and well-matched impedance, which greatly enhances the absorption of microwaves at the full wave bands.