Large-scale synthesis, electromagnetic and enhanced microwave absorption properties of low helicity carbon nanotubes/Fe nanoparticles hybrid

Large-scale of low helicity carbon nanotubes filled with Fe nanoparticles have been synthesized by pyrolysis of acetylene at 600°C over Fe ₂O₃ nanotubes derived from the hydrothermal method. The electromagnetic parameters and microwave absorbing properties were investigated in the 0.5-18 GHz frequency range. A maximum reflection loss (RL) value of the obtained sample is ca. 39.40 dB at 11.14 GHz. The RL value below -10 dB (90% absorption) can be obtained almost in the whole frequency range, and enhanced absorption of electromagnetic wave (reflection loss<-20 dB) was observed in the 7.66-11.14 GHz range (1.2-3.0 mm thickness). The results indicate that the obtained sample exhibits excellent microwave-absorbing ability and is a potential light-weight microwave absorber.