Construction of electromagnetic synergy system in a wood-derived aerogel for ultrathin and multifunctional electromagnetic response

Lightweight, thermally conductive bio-derived electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbers are critical for absorption products in complex environments, but the development of ultrathin thickness and multifunctional absorbers is extremely challenging. To address this bottleneck, we utilized environmentally sustainable pine wood-derived dielectric loss carbon to integrate magnetic loss species (Fe 3 O 4 , MOF-derived Fe@NC) to construct an electromagnetic synergy system (PCA/Fe 3 O 4 /Fe@NC) in carbon aerogel. The periodic porous structure and channels of carbon aerogel promote multiple reflections and scattering of electromagnetic waves and good conduction loss, while the magnetic material promotes magnetic loss capacity. Combined with the optimized impedance matching characteristics, the designed PCA/Fe 3 O 4 /Fe@NC aerogel exhibits outstanding EMW absorption characteristics. The designed electromagnetic synergy system aerogel delivers a reflection loss ( R L ) value of −61.95 ​dB at a matching thickness of only 1.14 ​mm, outperforming many advanced EMW absorbers. Computer simulation technology (CST) simulation verifies the potential of PCA/Fe 3 O 4 /Fe@NC in radar stealth. Additionally, the periodic pore structure advantages and compositional benefits of wood-derived carbon aerogels significantly improve the lightweight, excellent mechanical properties, thermal stability, and thermal cycling of the aerogels. This study underscores the effectiveness of ultrathin and multifunctional electromagnetic responses via an electromagnetic synergy system design, paving the way for developing high-performance EMW absorbers for complex environmental applications.