rGO aerogel embedded with organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite for lightweight broadband electromagnetic wave absorption

Organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites are quite promising candidates in the field of electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption due to their unique physicochemical properties. However, it is still a considerable challenge to satisfy the light weight, broad bandwidth, and strong absorption properties simultaneously. Herein, the solution of methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI₃) perovskites was infiltrated into the pores of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) aerogels. After drying, a series of MAPbI₃/rGO composite aerogel (MGA) materials were synthesized by anchoring the MAPbI₃ perovskite nanoparticles to rGO sheets with the assistance of rGO templates. Through the adjustment of component ratios, excellent EMW absorption properties are obtained with the synergistic effects of polarization loss, conduction loss, and multiple reflection and scattering of MAPbI₃ and rGO. The porous structure of the aerogel and the suitable group distribution ratio allowed the MGA-4 samples to obtain excellent impedance matching and ultra-low density of ~ 7.69 mg·cm⁻³. At a low filling ratio of 15 wt.%, the MGA-4 sample simultaneously achieves highly efficient and broadband EMW absorption performance at a thin thickness. The MGA-4 sample obtained a minimum reflection loss value of −64.35 dB and the effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) value of 5.4 GHz at a thickness of 2.08 mm and a maximum EAB (EAB_max) value of 6.2 GHz under 2.22 mm. The MGA-5 sample obtained a maximum EAB value of 6.4 GHz with the thinckness of 2.16 mm. Furthermore, the simulation results of the radar cross-section (RCS) verified the component-optimized composites are capable of achieving excellent EMW attenuation. This paper provides a new approach and valuable reference for the development of hybrid perovskite-based microwave absorption materials with lightweight, ultra-broadband, and strong absorption properties.