High-performance Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4/Polyaniline nanorod composites: A dual-function electromagnetic wave absorber and thermal management material

Ni 0.5 Zn 0.5 Fe 2 O 4 (NZFO) is a magnetic oxide absorber with excellent magnetic saturation properties. By leveraging the uniform dispersion of metal cations in layered double hydroxides and Fe 2+ oxidation at high temperatures, NZFO with excellent saturation magnetisation strength and controllable morphology was synthesized. To overcome ferrite limitations like high density and low high-frequency permeability, polyaniline (PANI) nanorods were in situ polymerized on NZFO, forming an interconnected network that enhances polarization and conduction losses. The optimized NZFO/PANI composite (N/P-0.5) achieves outstanding electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption at 2.5 mm thickness, with a minimum reflection loss of −48.8 dB at 9.84 GHz and a 4.7 GHz effective absorption bandwidth, covering C and X bands. Radar cross-section simulations indicate a maximum reduction of 26.7 dBm 2 , demonstrating excellent stealth performance. Additionally, NZFO/PANI improves polymer thermal conductivity , offering a versatile solution for EMW absorption and thermal management through a simple and effective synthesis approach.