Multilayer intercalation: MXene/cobalt ferrite electromagnetic wave absorbing two-dimensional materials

In this study, ferrimagnetic solid phase cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) intercalated into two-dimensional (2D) MXene (Ti3C2Tx) flakes was obtained by hydrothermal synthesis. A harmonium bellows structure with a multilayer spacing of 0.93 nm was retained up to 30 wt% loading of the magnetic CoFe2O4 phase. The presence of nanoparticles and the integrity of the 2D structure indicated metallic behavior with similar vibrational bands to MXene. The presence of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles resulted in a complex polarization mechanism that followed the modified Cole–Cole model. The anisotropic nature of the spinel ferrite increased the amount of magnetic field required to switch the magnetic moments with higher molar susceptibility. This facile method for the hydrothermal synthesis of Ti3C2Tx@CoFe2O4 with outstanding electromagnetic properties has great potential as electromagnetic wave absorbing material. •Hydrothermal synthesis of Ti3C2Tx/CoFe2O4 with an appropriate reducing agent.•2D structures with interconnected multilayers with nano meter spacing.•Minimal restacking with a balance between spinel ferrite and 2D materials.•Uniform fabrication with multilayer harmonium bellows-like structure.•Retaintion of the metallic behavior of the 2D Ti3C2Tx material.