Growth of γ-Fe2O3 nanosheet arrays on graphene for electromagnetic absorption applications

Abstract

A new strategy was developed to grow γ-Fe ₂O ₃ nanosheet arrays on graphene sheets, showing excellent electromagnetic wave absorption properties with a lightweight characteristic.

Abstract

We developed a seed-assisted method to grow ultra-thin γ-Fe ₂O ₃ nanosheets with a paramagnetic behaviour on the surfaces of graphene sheets. Scanning electron microscopy and the transmission electron microscopy measurements showed that the length, height and thickness of the nanosheets were about 140, 120 and 5 nm, respectively. The measured electromagnetic parameters indicated that the three-dimensional (3D) graphene/γ-Fe ₂O ₃ nanosheet arrays exhibited a significantly enhanced electromagnetic wave absorption property compared to that of the graphene sheets and some magnetic nanomaterials. The minimal reflection loss was less than −15.2 dB for 3D graphene/γ-Fe ₂O ₃ nanosheet arrays with thicknesses of 2 mm, and it was up to −64.1 dB when the thickness was 4.92 mm. Good electromagnetic wave absorption properties of the 3D graphene/γ-Fe ₂O ₃ nanosheet arrays indicate that they are very promising for applications in the electromagnetic wave absorbing field.