Polyaniline-Functionalized Nanosized Cobalt Ferrite-Decorated MoS₂ Composites for Broadband Electromagnetic Wave Absorption

This study presents the synthesis of polyaniline (PANI)-coated cobalt ferrite-decorated molybdenum disulfide (MoS2@CoFe2O4); a composite architecture engineered to combine unique morphological, magnetic, and dielectric properties for the electromagnetic wave/radar absorption applications. MoS2 and CoFe2O4 were produced separately using a one-step hydrothermal process. Then, the CoFe2O4 nanoparticles were integrated into the flower-like MoS2 nanosheets using the sonication method. Finally, PANI was synthesized through in situ polymerization of aniline on the surface of MoS2@CoFe2O4 to create the final design as well as to boost the dielectric performance. Structural analysis confirmed the existence of the 2H phase and a minor trace of the 1T phase in MoS2, while CoFe2O4 displayed a cubic structure without any detectable impurities. Scanning electron microscopy verified the successful distribution of CoFe2O4 particles within the MoS2 nanosheets, aligning with the design’s intended configuration. The electromagnetic wave (EMW) characteristics of the composites were analyzed by using a vector network analyzer. The MoS2@CoFe2O4 demonstrated a broad effective absorption bandwidth, spanning from the X-band to the Ku-band with a minimum matching thickness of just 2 mm. The reflection loss minimum value (RLmin) reached −22.82 dB at 8.96 GHz, corresponding to a 99.47% absorption of the incident EMWs. The addition of PANI at 50% by weight further increased the RLmin value to approximately 99.999% absorption (−50 dB), indicating enhanced impedance matching and absorption efficiency.