Dielectric-tuned hierarchical nanoarchitectures integrated with volatile corrosion inhibitor systems enable synergistic active-passive anti-corrosion and ultra-broadband microwave absorption

Despite significant advancements in microwave absorption materials (MAMs) for electromagnetic interference mitigation, the integration of robust microwave absorption (MA) and corrosion resistance into a unified system remains a critical challenge, particularly for long-term durability in harsh environments. Conventional approaches relying on multiphase composites often suffer from compromised functionality due to intrinsic property conflicts between absorption and anti-corrosion components. Here, we propose an integrated design strategy of active-passive corrosion inhibition and MA to design composite volatile corrosion inhibition coatings with synergistic dielectric attenuation and multiple corrosion protection effects. Dielectric property modulation strategy-based, we achieved precise modulation of permittivity gradients and interfacial polarization for RGO/FCIP@SiO₂, resulting in optimal impedance matching and record-breaking MA performance: a minimal reflection loss (<em>RL_min</em>) of −68 dB at 12.82 GHz with a 7 GHz effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) at 2.0 mm thickness. Moreover, the two-dimensional lamellar RGO has a “maze effect” and superhydrophobic architecture (162.3°contact angle) to passively defend against corrosive media. Concurrently, the multicomponent volatile corrosion inhibitor (BGC) system endows the composite with exceptional active corrosion inhibition. Through the dynamic anti-corrosion process involving vapor-phase release, surface adsorption, and protective film formation of corrosion inhibitor molecules, this system significantly enhances corrosion protection. Remarkably, it maintains 99.36% corrosion inhibition efficiency after 360-hour salt spray exposure and 25 friction cycles, without MA performance degradation.