Three-dimensional SiO2@Fe3O4 core/shell nanorod array/graphene architecture: synthesis and electromagnetic absorption properties

We developed a new strategy, i.e., a seed-assisted method, to fabricate a three-dimensional (3D) SiO2@Fe3O4 core/shell nanorod array/graphene architecture. The fabrication processes involved deposition of beta-FeOOH seeds on the graphene surfaces in the ferric nitrate aqueous solution, subsequent growth of beta-FeOOH nanorod arrays on the graphene surfaces in the ferric chloride aqueous solution under hydrothermal conditions, deposition of SiO2 coating on the surfaces of beta-FeOOH nanorods, and final formation of the 3D architecture by a thermal treatment process. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy measurements showed that the SiO2@Fe3O4 core/shell nanorods with a length and diameter of about 60 and 25 nm, respectively, were almost grown perpendicularly on both side surfaces of graphene sheets. The measured electromagnetic parameters showed that the 3D architecture exhibited excellent electromagnetic wave absorption properties, i.e., more than 99% of electromagnetic wave energy could be attenuated by the 3D architecture with an addition amount of only 20 wt% in the paraffin matrix. In addition, the growth mechanism of the 3D architecture was proposed, and thus, the strategy presented here could be used as a typical method to synthesize other 3D magnetic graphene nanostructures for extending their application areas.