Cobalt-coated barium titanate particles: Preparation, characterization and microwave properties

Barium titanate (BT) particles were coated with Co via electroless plating approach, using hydrazine hydrate as a reducing agent. The BT and Co-coated BT particles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and vector network analyzer. The results showed that Co coating layer with hcp structure was successfully deposited on the surface of the BT. The magnetic properties of the Co-coated BT were significantly improved. The complex permittivity and permeability of the Co-coated BT were higher than those of BT. Co-coated BT with much thinner absorber thickness achieved better microwave absorption properties in comparison with uncoated BT. The microwave enhancement absorption of Co-coated BT was related to the enhanced dielectric and magnetic losses.