Direct one-step synthesis of CoFex@Co@C hybrids derived from a metal organic framework for a lightweight and high-performance microwave absorber.

It involves invariably strong expectations and a tough challenge to explore lightweight microwave absorption materials with high efficiency and agile tenability. Here, we successfully synthesized CoFex@Co nanoparticles embedded into a carbon matrix that was directly derived from the metal organic frameworks (MOFs) via a facile method. Benefiting from the unique multi-dimensional construction and synergistic effects of carbon material with magnetic nanoparticles in both the electromagnetic energy loss and impedance matching, CoFe0.26@Co@C composite exhibited excellent microwave absorption performance, which showed a minimum reflection loss of -62.5 dB at the thickness of 1.5 mm and a broad absorption bandwidth of 14.7 GHz exceeding -10 dB at the thickness range of 1.4 to 5 mm. This study not only provides a reference for future preparation of MOF-based lightweight microwave absorption materials, but also offers the possible application owing to its simple procedure and outstanding absorption properties.