Self-assembled MoS2/3D worm-like expanded graphite hybrids for high-efficiency microwave absorption

Abstract In this work, the 3D worm-like expanded graphite (EG)/2D MoS2 nanosheets hybrids were synthesized by a facile in-situ self-assembled hydrothermal process. The 2D MoS2 nanosheets were uniformly and vertically grown on the surface of the 3D worm-like graphite, and interconnected with each other to form a hierarchical network structure. The unique honeycomb-like porous microstructure of the worm-like EG was conducive to the multiple scatterings and reflections, interconnected conductive network and improved impedance matching. In addition, the abundant heterogeneous interfaces in the MoS2/EG hybrids lead to enhanced dipole polarization and interfacial polarization. As a result, the MoS2/EG hybrids exhibited high-efficiency electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption performance with an ultra-low filling ratio of 7 wt %. The MoS2/EG composites displayed an optimal reflection loss (RL) value of -52.3 dB at 15.1 GHz and a wide effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 4.1 GHz with a thickness of only 1.6 mm. The present work provides a significant guidance for the design and fabrication of the ultra-lightweight EMW absorbers with high performances.