Hollow tubular MnO2/MXene (Ti3C2, Nb2C, and V2C) composites as high-efficiency absorbers with synergistic anticorrosion performance

The exceptional layered structure and superior conductivity exhibited by MXene materials make them highly promising candidates for microwave absorption applications. However, the finite loss mechanisms and severe agglomeration present formidable hurdles in achieving optimal microwave absorber performance. To address these challenges, this study introduces a facile self-assembly method for fabricating hollow tubular MnO2/MXene composites (Ti3C2, Nb2C, and V2C). The tubular MnO2 acts as a robust backbone for the effective assembly of MXene nanosheets onto its surface. The synergistic effects of the conductive network of MXene and hollow tubular structure of MnO2 can effectively enhance the microwave absorption. Consequently, the MnO2/V2C composite demonstrates outstanding absorption capabilities with an optimal reflection loss (RL) value of −52.74 dB and broad bandwidth of 7.68 GHz. Additionally, these MnO2/MXene composites also exhibit exceptional corrosion resistance even in severe corrosive environments, including acid, neutral, and alkaline conditions. This study serves as a valuable reference for the design of MXene-based absorbers, presenting a viable approach to achieve highly efficient microwave absorption capabilities while ensuring robust anti-corrosion behavior. The synergistic effects of the conductive network of MXene and hollow tubular structure of MnO2 can effectively enhance the microwave absorption resulting from combined polarization and conductive losses. Moreover, the MnO2/MXene absorbers also demonstrate outstanding corrosion resistance property under various corrosive conditions, including acid, neutral, and alkaline environments, as evidenced by very low corrosion current densities. [Display omitted] •Develping a facile and effective approach for preparing hollow tubular MnO2/MXene composites.•The MnO2/V2C composite achieves superior microwave absorption performance with broad bandwidth.•The absorber exhibits exceptional corrosion resistance.