High-Efficiency Microwave Absorption of NiCo2O4 Microsphere-Decorated Biochar Derived from Sustainable Fish Gelatin

Constructing magnetic-dielectric composites has proved to be an effective strategy for producing high-performance electromagnetic (EM) absorbers. In this study, a novel absorber composed of NiCo2O4 microspheres and biochar derived from transparent fish gelatin was synthesized through a facile solvothermal process. The absorber exhibited excellent attenuation ability with an absorption intensity of - 30.2 dB at 1.5 mm and a broad bandwidth of 5.2 GHz. A comprehensive analysis of the microstructure and composition distribution of the composite was conducted in order to understand the correlation with the absorption performance. Additionally, the study discussed the microstructural evolution during high-temperature carbonization. Such absorber could be promoted as lightweight and high-efficiency absorbing materials, and this work provides inspiration for the construction of advanced absorbers with strong dissipation capacity and broad effective bandwidth.

Automated summary

This study synthesized a novel absorber composed of NiCo2O4 microspheres and biochar derived from transparent fish gelatin through a facile solvothermal process. The absorber exhibited excellent attenuation ability with an absorption intensity of -30.2 dB at 1.5 mm and a broad bandwidth of 5.2 GHz. The microstructure and composition distribution of the composite were comprehensively analyzed to understand their correlation with the absorption performance. Furthermore, the study discussed the microstructural evolution during high-temperature carbonization. This work provides inspiration for the construction of advanced absorbers with strong dissipation capacity and broad effective bandwidth.