Fabrication of 1D Ni nanochains@Zn2+ doping polypyrrole/reduced graphene oxide composites for high-performance electromagnetic wave absorption

Ni NCs@Z-P/RGO composites are prepared for high-performance electromagnetic wave absorption, exhibiting RLmin of −63.58 dB at 14.3 GHz with a thickness 1.61 mm, the EAB of 5.08 GHz (11.92 GHz-17 GHz) at a thickness of 1.67 mm, and the reduction in RCS up to 26.6 dB m2 at θ=0°. [Display omitted] •One-dimensional Ni nanochains@Zn2+ doping PPy/reduced graphene oxide composites for electromagnetic wave absorption are fabricated.•The composite has the RLmin of −63.58 dB at 14.3 GHz with a thickness 1.61 mm and the EAB of 5.08 GHz (11.92 GHz-17 GHz) at a thickness of 1.67 mm.•At θ = 0° and PHi = 0°, the coating of this material reduces the RCS value by 26.6 dB m2 compared to the uncoated perfectly conducting layer. Nowadays, electromagnetic radiation significantly impacts the normal operation of electronic devices and poses risks to human health. To effectively address this problem, the development of composites that exhibit exceptional electrochemical wave absorption through the combination of different components holds great promise. In this study, we have successfully prepared 1D Ni nanochains@Zn2+ doping polypyrrole/reduced graphene oxide (Ni NCs@Z-P/RGO, denoted as R-x) composites using a combination of hydrothermal, solvothermal, in situ polymerization, and physical blending methods. Notably, the R-2 composite demonstrates a remarkable minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of −63.58 dB at 14.3 GHz, with a thickness of 1.61 mm. Furthermore, the R-2 composite exhibits an impressive effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 5.08 GHz (11.92 GHz-17 GHz) at a thickness of 1.67 mm. These outstanding performances can be attributed to the synergistic effect of the different components and a well-thought-out structural design. Moreover, to showcase the practical applicability of the material, we have conducted additional investigations on the reduction of the radar cross-sectional area (RCS). The results strongly demonstrate that the prepared composite material, when used as a coating, effectively reduces the RCS value by up to 26.6 dB m2 for R-2 at θ = 0°. The experimental methods and simulations presented in this study hold significant potential for application in wave absorption research and practical implementations. Additionally, the prepared Ni NCs@Z-P/RGO composites demonstrate feasibility as wave-absorbing materials for future utilization.