In Situ Loading of Ni₃ZnC_0.7 Nanoparticles with Carbon Nanotubes to 3D Melamine Sponge Derived Hollow Carbon Skeleton toward Superior Microwave Absorption and Thermal Resistance

Abstract

The simple and low-cost construction of a 3D network structure is an ideal way to prepare high-performance electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption materials. Herein, a series of carbon skeleton/carbon nanotubes/Ni₃ZnC_0.7 composites (CS/CNTs/Ni₃ZnC_0.7) are successfully prepared by in situ growth of Ni₃ZnC_0.7 and CNTs on 3D melamine sponge carbon. With the increase of precursor, Ni₃ZnC_0.7 nanoparticles nucleate and catalyze the generation of CNTs on the surface of the carbon skeleton. The minimum reflection loss (RL) value of the S60min composite (loading time of 60 min) reaches -86.6 dB at 1.6 mm and effective absorption bandwidth (EAB, RL≤-10 dB) is up to 9.3 GHz (8.7-18 GHz). The 3D network sponge carbon with layered micro/nanostructure and hollow skeleton promotes multiple reflection and absorption mechanisms of incident EMW. The N-doping and defects can be equivalent to an electric dipole, providing dipole polarization to increase dielectric relaxation. The uniform Ni₃ZnC_0.7 nanoparticles and CNTs play a key role in dissipating electromagnetic energy, blocking heat transfer, and enhancing the mechanical properties of the skeleton. Fortunately, the composite displays a quite low thermal conductivity of 0.09075 W m·K^-1 and good flexibility, which can provide insulation and quickly recover to its original state after being stressed.