A new method for the preparation of a Fe3O4/graphene hybrid material and its applications in electromagnetic wave absorption

• Fe3O4/graphene composites were prepared by a microwave-assisted solvothermal route.
• Uniform loading of Fe3O4 nanoparticles on graphene was obtained.
• The products as-synthesized show great promise as a microwave absorption material.
• Synergistic effects of Fe3O4 and graphene caused improved absorption efficiency.
• The Fe3O4/graphene product possessed a dual-frequency reflection characteristic.

A rapid, simple, and inexpensive process combining a microwave-assisted technique and a solvothermal method has been developed using graphene sheets and FeCl3·6H2O as the reactant to prepare graphene/Fe3O4 nanoparticle hybrids, which can be applied as an electromagnetic radiation absorbent. The experimental factors (i.e., composition ratio, microwave power, and irradiation time) on the products’ characteristics were examined. Under optimal conditions, the morphological analysis revealed that the graphene sheet was homogeneously covered with Fe3O4 nanoparticles (∼50 nm). The electromagnetic parameters of the composites made from 20 wt% Fe3O4/graphene–epoxy were measured by a vector network analyzer. It was found that the 4- and 5 mm-thick composites could attain a reflection loss below −20 dB in the dual-ranges of 4–8 and 12–18 GHz.

A microwave-assisted solvothermal process was used to prepare Fe3O4 nanoparticles/graphene hybrids, which could be applied as an electromagnetic (EM) radiation absorbent. The absorber, composed of 20 wt% Fe3O4/graphene–epoxy, exhibited a dual-frequency reflection characteristic covering the C and Ku bands with maximum reflection losses of less than −20 dB at thicknesses of 4 and 5 mm.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide