Issue 4, 2024

Constructing magnetic/dielectric dual loss and phonon/electron thermal carriers γ-Al2O3-based yolk–shell microspheres to collaboratively advance microwave absorption and heat conduction

Abstract

The severe electromagnetic (EM) interference and overheating issues in 5G/6G electric devices increasingly heighten the need for developing multifunctional materials with large heat conduction (HC) and high EM wave (EMW) absorption. Here, a series of γ-Al2O3-based yolk–shell microspheres (γ-AlOOH, γ-Al2O3, γ-Al2O3@C, γ-Al2O3@Fe3O4@C, and γ-Al2O3@FeAl2O4@Fe@C YSMSs) as multifunctional fillers are investigated for the simultaneous improvement in the HC and EMW absorption of γ-Al2O3-based composites. Using γ-AlOOH YSMSs as precursors produced from a hydrothermal method, the γ-Al2O3-based YSMSs were synthesized via an annealing route or soaking-annealing route; their phases, textures, and compositions were finely adjusted by changing the Al3+/Fe3+ molar ratio (β) and annealing temperature (Ta). Results show that the thermal transfers in the γ-Al2O3-based YSMSs are promoted by the synergic effect of phonons and electrons when they are utilized as thermally conductive fillers. Comparatively, the γ-Al2O3@FeAl2O4@Fe@C YSMSs formed at β = 8 : 2 and Ta = 700 °C exhibit a high HC of 1.84–3.29 W m−1 K−1 in a loading amount of 5–40%, exceeding those of not merely γ-Al2O3, γ-AlOOH, γ-Al2O3@C, and γ-Al2O3@Fe3O4@C YSMSs but also most previously reported fillers. Furthermore, the γ-Al2O3@Fe3O4@C YSMSs exhibit prominent EMW absorption properties with a large ABW/d of 4.49 GHz mm−1 (just 30% loading), superior to most other Al2O3-based absorbers. Such excellent EMW absorption could be explained by magnetic/dielectric dual loss and significant cavity and interfacial effects caused by yolk–shell structures. In conclusion, this work inspires the development of yolk–shell structures with magnetic/dielectric dual loss and phonon/electron thermal carriers as high-performance bifunctional materials with exceptional heat conduction and EMW absorption.

Graphical abstract: Constructing magnetic/dielectric dual loss and phonon/electron thermal carriers γ-Al2O3-based yolk–shell microspheres to collaboratively advance microwave absorption and heat conduction

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Communication
Submitted
18 Oct 2023
Accepted
05 Dec 2023
First published
06 Dec 2023

Mater. Horiz., 2024,11, 1065-1078

Constructing magnetic/dielectric dual loss and phonon/electron thermal carriers γ-Al2O3-based yolk–shell microspheres to collaboratively advance microwave absorption and heat conduction

K. Fu, Q. Yao, L. Xu, W. Zhou, Z. Wang, Y. Yang, G. Tong, X. Wang and W. Wu, Mater. Horiz., 2024, 11, 1065 DOI: 10.1039/D3MH01721D

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