High-Performance wave loss capability by Constructing Well-Defined hierarchical aerogel framework with strongly coupled Carbon/CeO2 interface

• The hierarchical carbon/CeO 2 aerogel was prepared via self-assembly method. • The impedance matching was optimized by interface and compositional integration. • The polarization loss was strengthened by the redistribution of dipoles. • The lowest reflection loss could reach to −75.6 dB and the maximum EAB to 6.3 GHz. It is of great importance to develop advanced materials with good electromagnetic (EM) wave loss capability in view of the requirements of lightweight, strong absorption, and a broad effective absorption bandwidth (EAB). In general, the EM loss capability of materials could be effectively improved by inducing heterogeneous interface and defects via structural engineering strategies. However, to date, there have been very few reports on how the charge orientation distribution, influenced by the construction of heterogeneous interfaces, affects impedance matching and further enhances the loss mechanism. In this paper, the carbon/CeO 2 heterogeneous interface with well-defined hierarchical framework was constructed. UPS and DFT results demonstrate that positive and negative charges are redistributed on both sides of the interface, effectively enhancing interfacial and dipole polarization. This enables precise tuning of impedance matching, leading to efficient wave loss. As a result, the lowest reflection loss could reach to −75.6 dB and the maximum EAB to 6.3 GHz. Based on simulation analysis, a multi-layer periodic structure has been constructed and the ultimately optimized bandwidth can fully cover the C, X, and Ku bands.