Fe-MOF bamboo-derived carbon composites for advanced electromagnetic wave management and thermal management

The exponential proliferation of fifth-generation (5G) telecommunication networks has exacerbated electromagnetic (EM) pollution, transforming it into a formidable global challenge. Consequently, there is an imperative demand for the engineering of EM wave attenuating media that simultaneously feature low density, ecological sustainability, and exceptional absorbing proficiency. Herein, a renewable, self-supporting porous carbon composite (CB/Fe) was successfully fabricated via in-situ growth of Fe-based metal-organic frameworks (Fe-MOFs) on bamboo scaffolds followed by controlled carbonization. The unique hierarchical porous structure of bamboo, combined with uniformly distributed Fe-derived magnetic nanoparticles, enables the formation of a synergistic dielectric-magnetic loss network. Microstructural characterizations confirm that Fe nanoparticles and Fe 3 C phases are homogeneously embedded within a conductive carbon matrix, while increasing carbonization temperature significantly enhances graphitization degree and electrical conductivity. Characterized by a synergistic optimization of impedance matching and dissipation capacity, the CB/Fe-900 matrix demonstrates an extraordinary electromagnetic wave harvesting capability. Specifically, a minimum reflection loss (RL min ) of −69.37 dB is manifested at 14.64 GHz utilizing an ultra-thin thickness of merely 1.4 mm. Concurrently, this composite yields an expansive effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) spanning 4.62 GHz, highlighting its competitive edge in practical microwave shielding applications. The enhanced performance is attributed to multiple scattering within the 3D porous architecture, strong interfacial polarization at Fe-C heterojunctions, conductive loss, and magnetic resonance effects. Furthermore, the composite demonstrates excellent electrothermal conversion capability and thermal stability, highlighting its multifunctional potential.