Structural characterization and microwave absorbing performance of CuFe2O4/RGO composites

Efficient preparation of microwave absorbers with thin thickness, strong absorbance, broad bandwidth and low filler loading remains a significant challenge. In this study, copper ferrite/reduced graphene oxide composites were synthesized by a one-pot hydrothermal method. The chemical composition, phase structure and micromorphology were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscope, scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. The characteristics of electromagnetic were assessed on a vector network analyzer. Results show that the content of graphene oxide greatly influences the microwave absorption properties of copper ferrite/reduced graphene oxide composites. The maximum reflection loss value of composites was -58.7 dB at 9.2 GHz with a thickness of 2.56 mm, when the primitive amount of graphene oxide was 20 mg. At the same time, the effective bandwidth can reach 5.2 GHz under merely 1.85 mm. The brilliant performance of microwave absorption is usually ascribed to multi-dipole polarization and outstanding impedance matching. This work supplies guidance for designing absorbers that are lightweight, wideband, and strong absorption ability.