A study of the electromagnetic properties of Cobalt-multiwalled carbon nanotubes (Co-MWCNTs) composites

Electroless plating was utilized to deposit Cobalt (Co) on the surface of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and the technological parameters of electroless plating were optimized. To obtain optimized processing parameters, field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) as well as energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) results were presented to show the morphology, components of as-prepared Co-MWCNTs. Based on the optimized processing parameters, Co-MWCNTs were prepared and filled into the epoxy resin to fabricate Co-MWCNTs composites. The electromagnetic properties of pure MWCNTs composites and Co-MWCNTs composites were studied. To sum up, the pure MWCNTs composites with a filler concentration of 2 wt% had an intense absorbing peak at 15.20 GHz, where the highest reflection loss (R) reached −21.41 dB. Compared to the pure MWCNTs composite at the same concentration, the Co-MWCNTs composites showed a higher impedance which implies a better potential absorbing property and makes Co-MWCNTs probable to be utilized in electromagnetic absorbing field.

► The Cobalt is coated alone onto the MWCNTs to study its influence on the electromagnetic properties of the material.
► The aggregates of metal are limited by the lower metallic salt according to the result of SEM image.
► The as-prepared Co-MWCNTs material has low surface reflection and has high potential to be applied in the matching layer of two-layers absorbing material.