Natural bamboo-derived NbC nanowires for efficient electromagnetic wave absorption

Transition metal carbides (TMCs) are a class of materials with excellent dielectric properties and thermal stability, which exhibit enormous potential in high temperature electromagnetic wave absorption (EWA). However, the high dielectric constant and electrical conductivity of TMCs usually cause impedance mismatch, and their high density also prevents further practical applications. To solve these problems, the lightweight and impedance matching NbC nanowires (NbCnws) were prepared by using bamboo powder as a carbon source and subsequent carbothermal reduction reaction process. The as-synthesized NbCnws all exhibit a low density of 0.23 g/cm3 and superior EMA performance. It is worth noting that the minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of the sample is -43.03 dB at 5.92 GHz and the corresponding matching thickness is only 3.7 mm when sintering temperature is 1500 degrees C. The excellent electromagnetic wave absorption (EWA) performance is attributed to good impedance matching and strong dielectric loss. This research work provides a prospect for the development and utilization of one-dimensional TMC materials in the field of microwave absorption materials. center dot Ultra-light NbC nanowires with a density of 0.23 g/cm3 were prepared using natural bamboo powder as a carbon source, assisted by F ions and catalyzed by iron nickel.center dot By controlling carbon defects through high-temperature sintering, the electromagnetic performance optimization has been achieved.center dot After sintering at 1500 degrees C, the minimum reflection loss at 5.92 GHz is as high as -43.03 dB, with a matching thickness of only 3.7 mm, demonstrating the excellent electromagnetic wave absorption performance.image

Automated summary

Transition metal carbides (TMCs) are promising materials for high temperature electromagnetic wave absorption (EWA) due to their excellent dielectric properties and thermal stability. However, the high dielectric constant and electrical conductivity of TMCs often result in impedance mismatch and their high density limits practical applications. To overcome these issues, lightweight and impedance matching NbC nanowires (NbCnws) were prepared using bamboo powder as a carbon source. The NbCnws exhibited low density and superior EMA performance, with a minimum reflection loss of -43.03 dB at 5.92 GHz and a matching thickness of only 3.7 mm at a sintering temperature of 1500 degrees C. The excellent EWA performance was attributed to good impedance matching and dielectric loss. This research provides a prospect for the development and utilization of one-dimensional TMC materials in the field of microwave absorption materials.