With the rapid development of wireless communication technologies, electromagnetic radiation pollution has become a growing concern. This highlights an urgent need for high-performance electromagnetic wave absorbing (EWA) materials that are lightweight, broadband, well impedance-matched, and mechanically robust. However, achieving both superior absorption and high mechanical strength in a single material remains challenging. Although Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene shows promise due to its layered structure and electrical properties, its high reflectivity, low absorption, and brittleness limit its application.
Inspired by the “reinforced concrete” concept, this study proposes a novel composite design. Core-shell structured CF@PANI acts as the “reinforcement”, while a micro-layered Fe 3 O 4 /PDA/Ti 3 C 2 T x serves as the “concrete” matrix. These components are integrated through a combined method of in-situ polymerization, mineralization, and electrostatic self-assembly, driven by charge attraction and hydrogen bonding.
Structural characterization confirmed the successful formation of the core-shell CF@PANI and its uniform composite with Fe 3 O 4 /PDA/Ti 3 C 2 T x at an optimal ratio, creating a hierarchical porous structure with multiple heterogeneous interfaces. The composite with a CF@PANI to Fe 3 O 4 /PDA/Ti 3 C 2 T x mass ratio of 0.75 (CPFT-0.75) demonstrated exceptional EMW absorption: a minimum reflection loss of −37.34 dB at 13.76 GHz with a thickness of only 1.5 mm, an effective absorption bandwidth of 3.28 GHz, and near-perfect impedance matching. This performance stems from synergistic interfacial polarization, conductive loss, magnetic loss, and multiple scattering. Furthermore, the “reinforced concrete” structure effectively toughened the material. The CPFT-1.0 sample exhibited a balanced rigidity and toughness, with a Young’s modulus of 20.8 MPa, tensile strength of 3.63 MPa, and fracture elongation of 10.98 %. This work provides a viable strategy for designing lightweight, high-performance, and mechanically robust EWA materials by biomimetic structural design.
The work titled “ Strengthening of Fe 3 O 4 /Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene/CF@PANI composites with ‘ reinforced concrete ’ structure and high electromagnetic wave absorption performance ”, was published on Acta Physico-Chimica Sinica (published on January 24, 2026).
Acta Physico-Chimica Sinica
Experimental study
Not applicable
Strengthening of Fe3O4/Ti3C2Tx MXene/CF@PANI composites with ‘reinforced concrete’ structure and high electromagnetic wave absorption performance
24-Jan-2026