Journal Home > Volume 12 , Issue 8
Journal of Advanced Ceramics 2023, 12(8): 1533-1546 https://doi.org/10.26599/JAC.2023.9220770
Research Article | Open Access | Issue | Published: 19 July 2023

Boosting electromagnetic wave absorption of Ti3AlC2 by improving effective electrical conductivity

Show Author's Information Kai-Yu Guo,  Lin Chen,  Guan-Jun Yang( )
State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
Keywords:
anisotropic electrical conductivity, effective electrical conductivity, conduction loss (Lc), interfacial polarization loss (LIP), co-optimize impedance matching (Zin/Z0), electromagnetic wave loss
Cite this article:
Guo K-Y, Chen L, Yang G-J. Boosting electromagnetic wave absorption of Ti3AlC2 by improving effective electrical conductivity. Journal of Advanced Ceramics, 2023, 12(8): 1533-1546. https://doi.org/10.26599/JAC.2023.9220770
Download citation
EndNote(RIS)
BibTeX

4780

Views

908

Downloads

Citations

11

Crossref

6

WoS

1

Scopus

0

CSCD

Abstract Full text About this article

Electromagnetic wave-absorbing (EMA) materials at high temperatures are limited by poor conduction loss (Lc). However, adding conductors simultaneously increases the conduction loss and interfacial polarization loss, leading to a conflict between impedance matching (Zin/Z0) and electromagnetic wave loss. This will prevent electromagnetic waves from entering the EMA materials, finally reducing overall absorbing performance. Here, the effective electrical conductivity (σ) is enhanced by synchronizing particle size and grain number of Ti3AlC2 to increase the conduction loss and avoid the conflict between the impedance matching and the electromagnetic wave loss. As a result, the best-absorbing performance with an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 4.8 GHz (10.6–15.4 GHz) at a thickness of only 1.5 mm is realized, which is the best combination of wide absorption bandwidth and small thickness, and the minimum reflection loss (RLmin) reaches −45.6 dB at 4.1 GHz. In short, this work explores the regulating mechanism of the EMA materials of effective electrical conductivity by simulated calculations using the Vienna ab-initio Simulation Package (VASP) and COMSOL as well as a series of experiments, which provide new insight into a rational design of materials with anisotropic electrical conductivity.


menu
Abstract
Full text
Outline
About this article

Boosting electromagnetic wave absorption of Ti3AlC2 by improving effective electrical conductivity

Show Author's information Kai-Yu Guo, Lin Chen, Guan-Jun Yang( )
State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China

Abstract

Electromagnetic wave-absorbing (EMA) materials at high temperatures are limited by poor conduction loss (Lc). However, adding conductors simultaneously increases the conduction loss and interfacial polarization loss, leading to a conflict between impedance matching (Zin/Z0) and electromagnetic wave loss. This will prevent electromagnetic waves from entering the EMA materials, finally reducing overall absorbing performance. Here, the effective electrical conductivity (σ) is enhanced by synchronizing particle size and grain number of Ti3AlC2 to increase the conduction loss and avoid the conflict between the impedance matching and the electromagnetic wave loss. As a result, the best-absorbing performance with an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 4.8 GHz (10.6–15.4 GHz) at a thickness of only 1.5 mm is realized, which is the best combination of wide absorption bandwidth and small thickness, and the minimum reflection loss (RLmin) reaches −45.6 dB at 4.1 GHz. In short, this work explores the regulating mechanism of the EMA materials of effective electrical conductivity by simulated calculations using the Vienna ab-initio Simulation Package (VASP) and COMSOL as well as a series of experiments, which provide new insight into a rational design of materials with anisotropic electrical conductivity.

Keywords: anisotropic electrical conductivity, effective electrical conductivity, conduction loss (Lc), interfacial polarization loss (LIP), co-optimize impedance matching (Zin/Z0), electromagnetic wave loss

References(64)

[1]
Han MK, Zhang DZ, Shuck CE, et al. Electrochemically modulated interaction of MXenes with microwaves. Nat Nanotechnol 2023, 18: 373–379.
DOI Google Scholar
[2]
Qin M, Zhang LM, Wu HJ. Dielectric loss mechanism in electromagnetic wave absorbing materials. Adv Sci 2022, 9: 2105553.
DOI Google Scholar
[3]
Xie XB, Wang YK, Sun XQ, et al. Optimizing impedance matching by a dual-carbon co-regulation strategy of Co3O4@rGO/celery stalks derived carbon composites for excellent microwave absorption. J Mater Sci Technol 2023, 133: 1–11.
DOI Google Scholar
[4]
Ma JB, Zhao B, Xiang HM, et al. High-entropy spinel ferrites MFe2O4 (M = Mg, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn) with tunable electromagnetic properties and strong microwave absorption. J Adv Ceram 2022, 11: 754–768.
DOI Google Scholar
[5]
Fu ZY, Pang AM, Luo H, et al. Research progress of ceramic matrix composites for high temperature stealth technology based on multi-scale collaborative design. J Mater Res Technol 2022, 18: 2770–2783.
DOI Google Scholar
[6]
Liu J, Wei XF, Gao LL, et al. An overview of C–SiC microwave absorption composites serving in harsh environments. J Eur Ceram Soc 2023, 43: 1237–1254.
DOI Google Scholar
[7]
Li W, Yu ZJ, Wen QB, et al. Ceramic-based electromagnetic wave absorbing materials and concepts towards lightweight, flexibility and thermal resistance. Int Mater Rev 2023, 68: 487–520.
DOI Google Scholar
[8]
Han T, Luo RY, Cui GY, et al. Effect of SiC nanowires on the high-temperature microwave absorption properties of SiCf/SiC composites. J Eur Ceram Soc 2019, 39: 1743–1756.
DOI Google Scholar
[9]
Fang X, Pan LM, Yao J, et al. Controllable dielectric properties and strong electromagnetic wave absorption properties of SiC/spherical graphite–AlN microwave-attenuating composite ceramics. Ceram Int 2021, 47: 22636–22645.
DOI Google Scholar
[10]
Xiang ZN, Wang YQ, Yin XM, et al. Microwave absorption performance of porous heterogeneous SiC/SiO2 microspheres. Chem Eng J 2023, 451: 138742.
DOI Google Scholar
[11]
Duan WY, Yin XW, Ye F, et al. Synthesis and EMW absorbing properties of nano SiC modified PDC-SiOC. J Mater Chem C 2016, 4: 5962–5969.
DOI Google Scholar
[12]
Han MK, Yin XW, Duan WY, et al. Hierarchical graphene/SiC nanowire networks in polymer-derived ceramics with enhanced electromagnetic wave absorbing capability. J Eur Ceram Soc 2016, 36: 2695–2703.
DOI Google Scholar
[13]
Song Y, Zhu RQ, Liu ZY, et al. Phase-transformation nanoparticles synchronously boosting mechanical and electromagnetic performance of SiBCN ceramics. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2023, 15: 4234–4245.
DOI Google Scholar
[14]
Liu HQ, Zhang YB, Liu XM, et al. Additive manufacturing of nanocellulose/polyborosilazane derived CNFs–SiBCN ceramic metamaterials for ultra-broadband electromagnetic absorption. Chem Eng J 2022, 433: 133743.
DOI Google Scholar
[15]
Chen PG, Li W, Li XC, et al. Effect of boron content on the microstructure and electromagnetic properties of SiBCN ceramics. Ceram Int 2022, 48: 3037–3050.
DOI Google Scholar
[16]
Liu J, Feng YR, Liu CM, et al. Novel SiBCN composite fibers with broadband and strong electromagnetic wave absorption performance. J Alloy Compd 2022, 912: 165190.
DOI Google Scholar
[17]
Lu XK, Li X, Cao YC, et al. 1D CNT-expanded 3D carbon foam/Si3N4 sandwich heterostructure: Utilizing the polarization compensation effect for keeping stable electromagnetic absorption performance at elevated temperature. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2022, 14: 39188–39198.
DOI Google Scholar
[18]
Yu SW, Zeng T, Yang YP, et al. Effect of an annealing treatment on the microstructure and EMW-absorbing properties of SiCw/Si3N4 ceramics fabricated by 3D printing. Ceram Int 2023, 49: 1092–1101.
DOI Google Scholar
[19]
Zhang HH, Liu H, Wu HB, et al. Microwave absorbing property of gelcasting SiC–Si3N4 ceramics with hierarchical pore structures. J Eur Ceram Soc 2022, 42: 1249–1257.
DOI Google Scholar
[20]
Yin S, Jiang YH, Su K, et al. Preparation, mechanical, dielectric and microwave absorption properties of hierarchical porous SiCnw–Si3N4 composite ceramics. J Eur Ceram Soc 2022, 42: 3820–3830.
DOI Google Scholar
[21]
Yang YR, Kulandaivel A, Mehrez S, et al. Developing a high-performance electromagnetic microwave absorber using BaTiO3/CoS2/CNTs triphase hybrid. Ceram Int 2023, 49: 2557–2569.
DOI Google Scholar
[22]
He LM, Xu JH, Zhang N, et al. Hollow multi-shelled structured BaTiO3/Fe3O4 composite: Confined space and interface effect with boosted microwave absorption. Ceram Int 2023, 49: 14255–14265.
DOI Google Scholar
[23]
Gao JS, Wang HH, Zhou Y, et al. Self-template and in-situ synthesis strategy to construct MnO2/Mn3O4@Ni–Co/GC nanocubes for efficient microwave absorption properties. J Alloy Compd 2022, 892: 162151.
DOI Google Scholar
[24]
Meng XW, Qiao J, Yang YF, et al. Three-dimensional porous manganese oxide/nickel/carbon microspheres as high-performance electromagnetic wave absorbers with superb photothermal property. J Colloid Interf Sci 2023, 629: 884–894.
DOI Google Scholar
[25]
Xu TT, Li J, Zhao DP, et al. Structural engineering enabled bimetallic (Ti1−yNby)2AlC solid solution structure for efficient electromagnetic wave absorption in gigahertz. Small 2023, 19: e2300119.
DOI Google Scholar
[26]
Liu N, Li QQ, Wan HJ, et al. High-temperature stability in air of Ti3C2Tx MXene-based composite with extracted bentonite. Nat Commun 2022, 13: 5551.
DOI Google Scholar
[27]
Yao BX, Li SB, Zhang WW, et al. Self-healing behavior of Ti2AlC at a low oxygen partial pressure. J Adv Ceram 2022, 11: 1687–1695.
DOI Google Scholar
[28]
Li XQ, Xie X, Gonzalez-Julian J, et al. Oxidation and creep behavior of textured Ti2AlC and Ti3AlC2. J Eur Ceram Soc 2022, 42: 364–375.
DOI Google Scholar
[29]
Choi SB, Oh JM, Meena JS, et al. Role of oxygen in the Ti3AlC2 MAX phase in the oxide formation and conductivity of Ti3C2-based MXene nanosheets. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2023, 15: 8393–8405.
DOI Google Scholar
[30]
Bai PW, Wang S, Zhao B, et al. Electrically conductive and corrosion resistant MAX phases with superior electromagnetic wave shielding performance. J Eur Ceram Soc 2022, 42: 7414–7420.
DOI Google Scholar
[31]
Scheibe B, Tadyszak K, Jarek M, et al. Study on the magnetic properties of differently functionalized multilayered Ti3C2Tx MXenes and Ti–Al–C carbides. Appl Surf Sci 2019, 479: 216–224.
DOI Google Scholar
[32]
Wang XH, Zhou YC. Layered machinable and electrically conductive Ti2AlC and Ti3AlC2 ceramics: A review. J Mater Sci Technol 2010, 26: 385–416.
DOI Google Scholar
[33]
Chen L, Li YB, Zhao B, et al. Multiprincipal element M2FeC (M = Ti, V, Nb, Ta, Zr) MAX phases with synergistic effect of dielectric and magnetic loss. Adv Sci 2023, 10: 2206877.
DOI Google Scholar
[34]
Luo W, Liu Y, Wang CY, et al. Sacrificial template synthesis of (V0.8Ti0.1Cr0.1)2AlC and carbon fiber@(V0.8Ti0.1Cr0.1)2AlC microrods for efficient microwave absorption. J Mater Sci Technol 2022, 111: 236–244.
DOI Google Scholar
[35]
Mao FZ, Long L, Pi WQ, et al. X-band electromagnetic absorption and mechanical properties of mullite/Ti3AlC2 composites. Mater Chem Phys 2022, 292: 126819.
DOI Google Scholar
[36]
Perdew JP, Burke K, Ernzerhof M. Generalized gradient approximation made simple. Phys Rev Lett 1996, 77: 3865–3868.
DOI Google Scholar
[37]
Grimme S. Semiempirical GGA-type density functional constructed with a long-range dispersion correction. J Comput Chem 2006, 27: 1787–1799.
DOI Google Scholar
[38]
Kresse G, Furthmüller J. Efficient iterative schemes for ab initio total-energy calculations using a plane-wave basis set. Phys Rev B 1996, 54: 11169–11186.
DOI Google Scholar
[39]
Madsen GKH, Carrete J, Verstraete MJ. BoltzTraP2, a program for interpolating band structures and calculating semi-classical transport coefficients. Comput Phys Commun 2018, 231: 140–145.
DOI Google Scholar
[40]
Hug G, Eklund P, Orchowski A. Orientation dependence of electron energy loss spectra and dielectric functions of Ti3SiC2 and Ti3AlC2. Ultramicroscopy 2010, 110: 1054–1058.
DOI Google Scholar
[41]
Zou Z, Ning MQ, Lei ZK, et al. 0D/1D/2D architectural Co@C/MXene composite for boosting microwave attenuation performance in 2–18 GHz. Carbon 2022, 193: 182–194.
DOI Google Scholar
[42]
Li YF, Ding YC, Xiao B, et al. Anisotropic electrical and lattice transport properties of ordered quaternary phases Cr2TiAlC2 and Mo2TiAlC2: A first principles study. Phys Lett A 2016, 380: 3748–3755.
DOI Google Scholar
[43]
Lee HJ, Galstyan O, Babajanyan A, et al. Characterization of anisotropic electrical conductivity of carbon fiber composite materials by a microwave probe pumping technique. J Compos Mater 2016, 50: 1999–2004.
DOI Google Scholar
[44]
Han MK, Shuck CE, Singh A, et al. Efficient microwave absorption with Vn+1CnTx MXenes. Cell Rep Phys Sci 2022, 3: 101073.
DOI Google Scholar
[45]
Tao JQ, Xu LL, Jin HS, et al. Selective coding dielectric genes based on proton tailoring to improve microwave absorption of MOFs. Adv Powder Mater 2023, 2: 100091.
DOI Google Scholar
[46]
Xia L, Feng YM, Zhao B. Intrinsic mechanism and multiphysics analysis of electromagnetic wave absorbing materials: New horizons and breakthrough. J Mater Sci Technol 2022, 130: 136–156.
DOI Google Scholar
[47]
Bao YF, Guo SY, Li Y, et al. Lightweight honeycomb rGO/Ti3C2Tx MXene aerogel without magnetic metals toward efficient electromagnetic wave absorption performance. ACS Appl Electron Mater 2023, 5: 227–239.
DOI Google Scholar
[48]
Zhang HM, Zhao B, Xiang HM, et al. Electromagnetic wave absorbing properties of Cr2AlB2 powders and the effect of high-temperature oxidation. J Am Ceram Soc 2021, 104: 2213–2224.
DOI Google Scholar
[49]
Dong WQ, Li XA, Tang HM, et al. Electromagnetic attenuation distribution in a three-dimensional amorphous carbon matrix with highly dispersed Fe/Fe3C@graphite–C nanoparticles. Mater Design 2022, 216: 110528.
DOI Google Scholar
[50]
Cai XD, Jiang XJ, Xie W, et al. Effect of particle size on the preparation and microwave absorption properties of FeSiAl magnetically soft alloy hollow microspheres. Def Technol 2018, 14: 477–483.
DOI Google Scholar
[51]
Yao P, Qian YH, Li WC, et al. Exploration of dielectric and microwave absorption properties of quaternary MAX phase ceramic (Cr2/3Ti1/3)3AlC2. Ceram Int 2020, 46: 22919–22926.
DOI Google Scholar
[52]
Li SZ, Ma L, Lei ZX, et al. Bifunctional two-dimensional nanocomposite for electromagnetic wave absorption and comprehensive anti-corrosion. Carbon 2022, 186: 520–529.
DOI Google Scholar
[53]
Ma L, Li SZ, Liu FC, et al. Metal-organic framework-derived Co/C composite with high magnetization as broadband electromagnetic wave absorber. J Alloy Compd 2022, 906: 164257.
DOI Google Scholar
[54]
Li J, Xu TT, Liu LL, et al. Microstructure, magnetic and low-frequency microwave absorption properties of doped Co–Ti hexagonal barium ferrite nanoparticles. Ceram Int 2021, 47: 19247–19253.
DOI Google Scholar
[55]
Hong Y, Li J, Bai H, et al. Role of finite-size effect in BiFeO3 nanoparticles to enhance ferromagnetism and microwave absorption. Appl Phys Lett 2020, 116: 013103.
DOI Google Scholar
[56]
Li J, Hong Y, He S, et al. A neutron diffraction investigation of high valent doped barium ferrite with wideband tunable microwave absorption. J Adv Ceram 2022, 11: 263–272.
DOI Google Scholar
[57]
Zhang WM, Dai FZ, Xiang HM, et al. Enabling highly efficient and broadband electromagnetic wave absorption by tuning impedance match in high-entropy transition metal diborides (HE TMB2). J Adv Ceram 2021, 10: 1299–1316.
DOI Google Scholar
[58]
Zhang WM, Xiang HM, Dai FZ, et al. Achieving ultra-broadband electromagnetic wave absorption in high-entropy transition metal carbides (HE TMCs). J Adv Ceram 2022, 11: 545–555.
DOI Google Scholar
[59]
Ji B, Fan SW, Wang L, et al. Flexible and stretchable Ti3SiC2-based composite films for efficient electromagnetic wave absorption. Ceram Int 2020, 46: 22635–22642.
DOI Google Scholar
[60]
Ilyushchanka AP, Baray SG, Letsko AI, et al. Preparation of Ti–Si–C system and their ceramic composite coatings using gas flame spraying for microwave absorbing applications. Surf Coat Tech 2021, 405: 126631.
DOI Google Scholar
[61]
Zhang Y, Wen J, Zhang L, et al. High antioxidant lamellar structure Cr2AlC: Dielectric and microwave absorption properties in X band. J Alloy Compd 2021, 860: 157896.
DOI Google Scholar
[62]
Li J, Xu TT, Bai H, et al. Structural modifications and electromagnetic property regulations of Ti3AlC2 MAX for enhancing microwave absorption through the strategy of Fe doping. Adv Mater Interfaces 2022, 9: 2101510.
DOI Google Scholar
[63]
Shi YM, Luo F, Liu Y, et al. Preparation and microwave absorption properties of Ti3AlC2 synthesized by pressureless sintering TiC/Ti/Al. Int J Appl Ceram Tec 2015, 12: E172–E177.
DOI Google Scholar
[64]
Wu NN, Zhao BB, Chen XY, et al. Dielectric properties and electromagnetic simulation of molybdenum disulfide and ferric oxide-modified Ti3C2TX MXene hetero-structure for potential microwave absorption. Adv Compos Hybrid Ma 2022, 5: 1548–1556.
DOI Google Scholar
Publication history
Copyright
Acknowledgements
Rights and permissions

Publication history

Received: 14 March 2023
Revised: 26 April 2023
Accepted: 21 May 2023
Published: 19 July 2023
Issue date: August 2023

Copyright

© The Author(s) 2023.

Acknowledgements

This project was supported by the National Program for Support of Top-notch Young Professionals.

Rights and permissions

Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made.

The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article’s Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article’s Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder.

To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

Return