Breakthrough in Electromagnetic Protection: Carbon Aerogels Show Promising Results

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have made significant strides in developing carbon aerogels with ultra-wide effective absorption bandwidths and robust attenuation capacities. These innovative materials have the potential to revolutionize electromagnetic protection technologies, particularly in military and advanced electronic applications. The study, supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Ningbo, showcases a novel strategy for creating magnetic-dielectric synergistic metamaterials that boast superior electromagnetic wave absorption and thermal regulation properties.

Key Takeaways:

  • The researchers developed a three-dimensional porous chitosan-derived carbon aerogel that exhibits exceptional electromagnetic wave absorption performance, with an ultra-wide effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 8.38 GHz and a minimal reflection loss (RLmin) of -54.87 dB.
  • The aerogel was created through unidirectional freeze-drying and carbonized at 900 degrees C (900 degrees C CYA) with an ultra-low filling ratio of 3.06 wt%, resulting in a significant EWA performance.
  • Magnetic-dielectric synergistic metamaterials consisting of a flaky carbonyl iron (FCI) sheet and a periodical aerogel array were demonstrated, achieving an outstanding EAB of 14.23 GHz.
  • The 900 degrees C CYA exhibits superior thermal insulation and regulation, making a significant contribution to passive and active infrared stealth.
  • The research proposes a structurally simplified metamaterial with the ultra-wide EAB, demonstrating profound application prospects in electromagnetic protection, thermal regulation, and advanced military technologies.

Statistics:

  • 8.38 GHz: The ultra-wide effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) achieved by the three-dimensional porous chitosan-derived carbon aerogel.
  • -54.87 dB: The minimal reflection loss (RLmin) obtained by the aerogel.
  • 14.23 GHz: The outstanding EAB achieved by the magnetic-dielectric synergistic metamaterials.
  • 900 degrees C: The carbonization temperature of the aerogel, resulting in a significant EWA performance.
  • 3.06 wt%: The ultra-low filling ratio of the aerogel, contributing to its remarkable EWA performance.

Sources:

  • A Novel Strategy of Magnetic-dielectric Synergistic Metamaterials Based On Multifunctional Anisotropic Aerogels for Superior Electromagnetic Wave Absorption. Chemical Engineering Journal, 2025;522.
  • Chemical Engineering Journal can be contacted at: Elsevier Science Sa, PO Box 564, 1001 Lausanne, Switzerland.
  • Zhejiang, People's Republic of China: The region where the research was conducted.
  • Chinese Academy of Sciences: The organization that conducted the research.
  • Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering: The research institute that supported the study.
  • Natural Science Foundation of Ningbo: The organization that provided financial support for the research.
  • Yu Gao, Chen Li, Xiao He, Yongkang Lai, Yajie Xie, Weiwei Qi, Qikui Man, and Baogen Shen: The authors of the research paper.