Search

[Display omitted] With the increased usage of electromagnetic microwaves (EM) in wireless communication technology, the problem of electromagnetic radiation pollution has grown dramatically. This study successfully prepared novel Co/C magnetic nanocomposite fibers for EM absorption using the electrospinning and carbonization methods. The morphology, composition, magnetic properties, and EM absorption performance were extensively characterized. This material shows exceptional EM absorption performance, achieving −72.01 dB (at 2.08 mm) for minimum reflection loss (RL min) and 5.4 GHz (at 1.68 mm) for effective absorption bandwidth (EAB). The performance surpasses not only any single precursor but also stands as the best in similar investigations. It can be attributed to the microstructure of magnetic Co nanoparticles encapsulated in carbon nanofibers and the macrostructure of cross-linked three-dimensional (3D) conductive networks. The combination of these structures resulted in excellent dielectric loss, magnetic loss, and impedance matching. This research offers new insights into the production of one-dimensional (1D) carbon-based absorbers, while also establishing a theoretical foundation for exploring the application potential of this material. These findings may contribute to the development of more efficient and practical EM absorption materials in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] At present, the magnetic metal/carbon composites have been widely explored for microwave absorption (MA), which effectively integrate the characteristics of magnetic and dielectric materials. As a typical material, metal–organic framework (MOF) shows tremendous potential as a precursor or template. However, its development is limited by the inferior impedance matching. Herein, a novel rod-like Fe/Fe 3 O 4 /FeN/N-doped carbon (FON/NC) composite was synthesized via dual-ligand strategy and following calcination. The outer polypyrrole (PPy) shell, obtained by a facile polymerization method, effectively optimized the impedance matching and observably enhanced the MA capacity. Both the multi-component loss mechanism and unique porous core–shell structures of MOF-derived composites were beneficial for microwave attenuation. The effects of filler loadings (20 wt%, 25 wt%, 30 wt% and 35 wt%) on electromagnetic (EM) properties of FON/NC@PPy composites were discussed. Remarkably, as-obtained composites exhibited a minimum reflection loss (RL) value of −60.08 dB at the layer thickness of merely 1.44 mm and the widest effective absorption bandwidth (EAB, RL ≤ −10 dB) of 5.06 GHz at 1.64 mm with 30 wt% filler loading. This work provides a great reference for designing MOF-derived absorbers with high MA performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Advanced microwave absorption (MA) materials have attracted widespread attention to meet the challenges of electromagnetic (EM) pollution. Herein, MgFe 2 O 4 /MgO/C fibers were successfully prepared via electrospinning technology and carbonization, and their surfaces were coated by MoS 2 via hydrothermal method. The EM wave absorption performance of composites was enhanced due to the introduction of MoS 2. The results showed that the EM wave absorption performance of MgFe 2 O 4 /MgO/C could not meet the requirements due to low dielectric loss and poor impedance matching. The performance of the composites was improved after coating of MoS 2 , which showed the strong wave absorption capability and the broad absorption bandwidth. The optimal reflection loss (RL) is −56.94 dB at 9.5 GHz and the effective absorption bandwidth is 3.9 GHz (8.08–11.98 GHz) with a thickness of 2.7 mm. The excellent MA performance can be mainly attributed to excellent synergistic effect between MgFe 2 O 4 /MgO/C and MoS 2. Furthermore, MoS 2 also contributes to dielectric loss and ideal impedance matching. MgFe 2 O 4 /MgO/C@MoS 2 composites may be utilized for lightweight and high-efficient MA materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Nowadays, ferrites/carbon fibers have attracted considerable attention as microwave absorption materials (MA) due to the synergistic effect between dielectric and magnetic loss. Herein, the ZnFe 2 O 4 /C fibers were fabricated via electrospinning and calcination methods, and then polypyrrole (PPy) successfully coated on the fibers via oxidative polymerization. The ZnFe 2 O 4 /C@PPy composites exhibit enhanced EM wave absorption performance with the loading of 25 wt%. The optimal reflection loss (RL) value is up to −66.34 dB (13.80 GHz) and effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) is 5.74 GHz (11.78–17.52 GHz) with a matching thickness of 1.93 mm. Besides, high-efficient absorption performance of the ZnFe 2 O 4 /C@PPy composites is mainly attributed to the dielectric loss and ideal impedance matching. This study reveals a novel approach to development of ferrites/carbon fibers coated with PPy, and the ZnFe 2 O 4 /C@PPy composites exhibit great potential application as the materials with high-efficient absorption properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Metal-organic framework (MOF) materials have caused widespread concerns in the field of microwave absorption, due to the unique microstructure and electronic state. Herein, the CoZn/C@MoS 2 @polypyrrole (PPy) composites were prepared through MOF self-template method. The MoS 2 sheets and PPy shell incorporated for optimizing impedance matching of two-dimensional (2D) CoZn/C composites. The introduction of MoS 2 sheets and PPy shell endowed the composites with enhanced microwave absorption. The as-prepared CoZn/C@MoS 2 @PPy composites showed a minimum reflection loss (RL) of −49.18 dB with the thickness of 1.5 mm. In addition, the effective absorption bandwidth (EAB, RL values exceeding −10 dB) covered 4.56 GHz, which showed greater performances than CoZn/C composites under a lower thickness (<2 mm). This work not only provides a facile route for fabricating MOF-derived carbon-based composites as microwave absorbers, but also broadens the application of MOF materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] In this work, one-dimensional (1D) ZnFe 2 O 4 @carbon@MoS 2 /FeS 2 composites were synthesized by hydrothermal method, magnetic-field-induced distillation-precipitation polymerization and high-temperature carbonization. The structure, morphology, composition, magnetic performance and electromagnetic (EM) wave absorbing properties of the composites were systematically studied. The composites show strong microwave absorption (MA) capacity with a minimum reflection loss (RL min) value of −52.5 dB at 13.2 GHz, and have an effective absorption frequency range of 10.10–15.08 GHz with a bandwidth of 4.98 GHz when the thickness is 2.23 mm. It is expected that as-synthesized 1D ZnFe 2 O 4 @carbon@MoS 2 /FeS 2 composites can be a promising EM wave absorption material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One-dimensional (1D) ZnFe 2 O 4 @SiO 2 (ZS) nanochains were prepared with Stöber method under external magnetic field. Then, 1D ZS nanochains were covered with a uniform polydopamine (PDA) shell, and the pyrolysis process was completed to obtain 1D ZnFe 2 O 4 @SiO 2 @C (ZSC) nanochains. Finally, 1D flower-like ZnFe 2 O 4 @SiO 2 @C@NiCo 2 O 4 (ZSCNC) nanochains were fabricated through a simple hydrothermal method. The carbon layer with strong dielectric loss enabled the 1D ZSC nanochains to achieve an ultra-wide effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 6.22 GHz. Compared with the above nanochains, the 1D ZSCNC nanochains showed more excellent microwave absorption (MA) properties because of the unique 1D flower-like architectures having large surfaces and multiple interfaces. The sample loaded with 30 wt% 1D flower-like ZSCNC nanochains showed strong MA performances with a minimum reflection loss (RL) value of −54.29 dB (11.14 GHz) and an EAB of 5.66 GHz (11.94–17.60 GHz) at the thickness of 2.39 mm. The 1D flower-like ZSCNC nanochains with strong absorption, broad absorption bandwidth (almost the entire Ku band) and thin layer has a good application prospect for the absorption of electromagnetic waves in Ku band. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] In recent years, electromagnetic pollution has become more and more serious, and there is an urgent need for microwave absorbing materials with superior performance. Prussian blue analogue (PBA) is a metal organic framework material with the advantages of diverse morphology and tunable composition. Therefore, PBA has attracted a lot of attention in the field of microwave absorption. In this work, PBA was coated on the surface of carbon composites by hydrothermal method, and then PPy was compounded on its surface after carbonization treatment to construct hierarchical core–shell CoC@CoFe/C@PPy fibers. The fibers have Co-doped C composites as the core and CoFe/C decorated with PPy as the shell. This unique hierarchical structure and various microwave absorption mechanisms are described in detail. The microwave absorption performance is optimized by adjusting the filling of the sample. The best microwave absorption performances are achieved at 25 wt% filling of CoC@CoFe/C@PPy. At a thickness of just 1.69 mm, CoC@CoFe/C@PPy fiebrs have a minimum reflection loss (RL min) of −64.32 dB. When the thickness is 1.88 mm, CoC@CoFe/C@PPy achieves a maximum effective absorption bandwidth (EAB max) of 5.38 GHz. The results indicate that the CoC@CoFe/C@PPy composite fibers have a great potential in the field of microwave absorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advancement of wireless communication and electronic equipment, microwave absorption materials (MAMs) have more and more broad applications in related fields. Ti 3 C 2 T x -MXene with unique two-dimensional structure and excellent dielectric properties is often used as a precursor of nano-TiO 2 , which is a potential MAMs. Carbon nanofibers, as a one-dimensional material, have great electrical conductivity and can form interconnected three-dimensional conductive networks. In this study, Ti 3 C 2 T x -MXene was prepared by in-situ HF etching method, and further combined with the benefits of Co, Ce metals, and carbon nanofibers. Co/CeO 2 /TiO 2 /CNFs were prepared via a facile technique for electromagnetic microwave (EM) absorption, exhibiting excellent EM absorption performance due to the synergistic effects of dielectric and magnetic properties. The minimum reflection loss (RL min) and effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) reache −63.35 dB (11.2 GHz) and 3.6 GHz (9.5–13.1 GHz), with a thickness of only 2.35 mm and a filling rate of 30 wt%, while the maximum EAB reaches 5.4 GHz (12.4–17.8 GHz) with a thickness of 1.82 mm, covering nearly the entire Ku band. By offering a novel strategy to the creation of brand-new, high-performance MAMs based on 1D carbon nanofibers with dielectric/magnetic synergy, this work is believed to support the development of upcoming MAMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One-dimensional (1D) microwave absorbers have attracted wide attention in the field of microwave absorption (MA) because of the significant anisotropy and great dielectric attenuation of 1D architecture. In this work, the novel 1D flower-like yolk-shell Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 @NiO (FSN) nanochains have been fabricated through a modified Stöber and a simple hydrothermal method. The unique 1D flower-like yolk-shell architectures have large surfaces, multiple interfaces and void spaces. Benefitting from these advantages, the FSN nanochains showed excellent MA properties. Compared with the sample loaded with 10 wt% 1D flower-like yolk-shell FSN nanochains, the sample loaded with 30 wt% showed strong MA performance with a minimum reflection loss (RL) value of −54.28 dB (12.9 GHz) and an effective absorption bandwidth of 4.0 GHz (11.05–15.05 GHz) at the thickness of 2.54 mm. The 1D flower-like yolk-shell FSN nanochains with strong absorption, broad absorption bandwidth and thin layers, provided a new method for fabricating 1D MA materials and will become the promising candidates in the practical MA fields. • One-dimensional yolk-shell flower-like Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 @NiO nanochains were synthesized successfully. • The yolk-shell structure was obtained while the NiO nanosheets grew on Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 nanochains by the hydrothermal method. • The microwave absorption properties of Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 @NiO nanochains composites were elucidated in depth. • The strongest absorption of −54.28 dB and the effective absorption bandwidth of 4.0 GHz can be obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Flower-like surface Ni@Co 3 O 4 /RGO composites were designed and fabricated. • The possible microwave absorption mechanism was demonstrated and illustrated. • The optimal reflection loss value of −60.0 dB can be obtained. Novel composite microwave absorption (MA) materials with multiple loss mechanism have attracted considerable attention. In this work, flower-like surface Ni@Co 3 O 4 nanowires were designed and fabricated through chemical reduction method induced by magnetic field, followed by in-situ polymerization, low temperature oil bath and thermal annealing. Then, the Ni@Co 3 O 4 /RGO composites were prepared through a hydrothermal reaction of the Ni@Co 3 O 4 nanowires and graphene oxide suspension. The electromagnetic properties of different loading content samples (15 wt%, 25 wt% and 35 wt%) were measured to investigate the influence of loading content on the MA performance. For the 35 wt% loading sample, the minimum reflection loss (RL min) value of −60.0 dB was determined at the thickness of 2.3 mm, and the maximum effective absorption bandwidth (EAB, RL < −10 dB) of 4.62 GHz can be achieved when the thickness is 1.6 mm. This research provides a reference for exploiting high-efficient flower-like surface magnetic-dielectric composites in the field of MA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Herein, coralloid core-shell structure NiS/Ni 3 S 4 @PPy@MoS 2 nanowires were elaborately designed and successfully synthesized through a three-step route to obtain exceptional microwave absorption (MA) properties. Ni nanowires were first fabricated, and then used as the substrate to be coated with a layer of PPy. Ni chalcogenides were obtained by using Ni nanowire as sacrificial templates while growing MoS 2 nanorods by hydrothermal method. Both the one-dimensional (1D) core-shell structure and the coralloid surface generated by MoS 2 nanorods were beneficial for the attenuation of microwaves. After investigating the electromagnetic properties of different loading content absorbers (30 wt.%, 40 wt.% and 50 wt.%), it is found that the 50 wt.% loading absorber has the optimal MA performance. The minimum reflection loss (RL min) value can reach −51.29 dB at 10.1 GHz with a thickness of 2.29 mm, and the corresponding effective absorption bandwidth (EAB, RL < −10 dB) can be up to 3.24 GHz. This research provides a reference for exploiting novel high-efficient 1D absorbers in the field of MA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing one-dimensional (1D) magnetic-carbon composites microwave absorbers is a promising strategy that can meet the current demand for high-performance microwave absorption (MA) materials. In this work, hierarchical structured Fe 3 O 4 /Fe@C@MoS 2 nanofibers were successfully obtained via a simple three-step method. 1D Fe 3 O 4 /Fe@C nanofibers were fabricated through electrospinning technology and in-situ polymerization followed by carbonization and reduction in H 2 /N 2 atmosphere. MoS 2 nanosheets grew irregularly on the surface of 1D Fe 3 O 4 /Fe@C nanofibers to form the flower-like structure. The morphology, composition and magnetism of samples were systematically investigated. Furthermore, electromagnetic characteristics and MA properties of Fe 3 O 4 /Fe@C nanofibers and Fe 3 O 4 /Fe@C@MoS 2 nanofibers were compared. The minimum reflection loss (RL min) of Fe 3 O 4 /Fe@C@MoS 2 nanofibers could reach −53.79 dB at 11.12 GHz and the corresponding absorption bandwidth (RL < -10 dB) of 4.4 GHz was achieved at the absorber thickness of 2.24 mm. This work combines electrospinning technology with traditional chemical synthesis to prepare a novel 1D core-shell microwave absorber, which provides some inspiration for preparing MA material in the future. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As important functional materials for absorbing and attenuating incident electromagnetic waves, microwave absorption (MA) materials have found a wide range of applications in civil and military fields. In addition to the study of the compositions, the structural design of the MA materials is also a research hotspot in the field. Among the various structures, the one-dimensional (1D) structure has drawn wide attention because of the unique shape anisotropy and spatial confinement effect. Electrospinning technology has become one of the main ways to prepare continuous 1D micro-nano fibers due to the advantages of many types of spinnable materials, low spinning cost, and high controllability of process parameters. This review involves an introduction and a classification of the research progresses achieved in electrospinning technology concerning MA nanofibers from the perspective of compositions, as well as the list of their minimum reflection loss (RL min) and effective absorption bandwidth (EAB). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The appearance and development of two-dimensional titanium carbide materials provide a new idea for our research on microwave absorption materials. Its excellent electrical conductivity and surface functional groups allow it to be used as a microwave absorber. In this study, Ti 3 C 2 T x @NiCo 2 O 4 composites were prepared by simple hydrothermal method and subsequent annealing process. With the change of annealing temperature, the state of composites is changed, so the structure and properties of samples are further adjusted. When the annealing temperature is 350 °C, an optimal reflection loss value of −50.96 dB can be obtained at 2.18 mm. The excellent microwave absorption performance is not only caused by polarization behavior, but also related to multiple reflections and multiple scattering produced by unique structures. Therefore, the prepared Ti 3 C 2 T x @NiCo 2 O 4 is expected to be a promising microwave absorber with thin thickness and high absorption intensity. Image 1 • The layer of Ti 3 C 2 T x sheets was prepared by a simple method. • The microwave absorption mechanism of the composite material is explained. • The higher reflection loss value was -50.96db with the thinner thickness of 2.18mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, electronic equipment has brought great convenience to people. However, the electromagnetic microwave it generates also brings adverse effects. It is generally hoped to prepare electromagnetic microwave absorption materials with the characteristics of light and thin, wide absorption band and strong absorption performance. Recently, the metal organic framework (MOF) has been regarded as an ideal material. Usually, the combination of magnetic metal and MOF can improve the magnetic loss performance of the material and make the material have a wider application. This paper analyzes and summarizes the latest development of magnetic MOF microwave absorption materials thoroughly, including the classification of magnetic MOF microwave absorption materials, microwave absorption mechanism, design principle and preparation methods. Finally, the development of magnetic MOF microwave absorption materials and the challenges faced in the development process are reasonably prospected, which provides a reference for the development of magnetic MOF microwave absorption materials. [Display omitted] • In this review, the representative magnetic MOF microwave absorption materials are introduced based on the classification of characteristic magnetic metals, and the microwave absorption properties of similar materials are summarized and compared. • The absorption principle, development process, opportunities and challenges of magnetic MOF absorption materials are briefly discussed. • Some ideas for the synthesis of magnetic MOF microwave absorption material and the practical application are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CoNi alloys are well known as excellent magnetic microwave absorption materials, but their various structures greatly influence electromagnetic properties, especially chains versus particles. Hierarchical CoNi chains were prepared using the solvothermal method in conjunction with an external magnetic field, and hierarchical CoNi particles were obtained in the absence of the magnetic field. Changing the reaction time from 6 to 12 h can change the surface structures of hierarchical CoNi alloys, as seen in the SEM images. The lattice parameters of samples are determined by XRD results, which include crystalline structures, lattice constants, mean crystallite sizes, and internal strain. The investigation of magnetic properties indicates that CoNi chains possess a stronger saturation magnetization and higher coercivity than CoNi particles as a result of their higher aspect ratios and larger crystalline sizes. Furthermore, CoNi chains have a higher microwave absorption capacity than CoNi particles, with a minimum reflection loss value of −42.113 dB (16.5 GHz) and an effective absorption bandwidth of 3.5 GHz (13–16.5 GHz). Conductive loss, defect-induced polarization relaxation, eddy current effect, exchange resonance, N é el relaxations, multiple reflections, and scatterings all contribute to the excellent microwave absorption performance of the CoNi chains. This research establishes that a chain-like structure outperforms a particle-like structure for hierarchical CoNi alloys as microwave absorbers, and it will provide clear guidance for designing high-performance magnetic microwave absorption materials. [Display omitted] • Hierarchical CoNi chains were first prepared via a magnetic-field-induced solvothermal method. • CoNi chains exhibit better microwave absorption capacity than particles. • CoNi chains possess the RL min value of − 42.113 dB and EAB of 3.5 GHz in the Ku band. • High aspect ratios and hierarchical surfaces result in excellent microwave energy dissipation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2) is a transition metal sulfide that is widely used as a microwave absorption material (MAM) due to its excellent structural and physicochemical properties. MoS 2 has semiconductor properties, a large specific surface area and a large number of defects that allow it to exhibit excellent microwave loss characteristics. The lamellar MoS 2 can effectively increase the scattering and absorption of microwaves within the absorber by building a variety of different structures. The MoS 2 -based synthetic strategy, structure and properties are presented in this review. The current knowledge on the performance of MoS 2 -based MAMs is comprehensively concluded and analyzed. Moreover, the recent progress of MoS 2 -based MAMs is objectively evaluated and overviewed while the main issues and development difficulties are dissected. Therefore, MoS 2 -based composites are expected to be promising candidates as ultrathin and lightweight MAMs. • The 2D MoS 2 has special electromagnetic properties and promising applications in the field of microwave absorption. • The achievements and challenges of MoS 2 and composites are reviewed, and the preparation methods, structures and microwave absorption properties are analyzed. • The review shows the way to prepare new 2D MoS 2 -based MA materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electromagnetic waves pollution as one of the major pollutions, has seriously endangered the human health and the normal use of electronic equipments. The development of high-performance microwave absorption (MA) materials containing wide absorption bandwidth, strong absorption capacity and light weight has become imminent. Due to excellent electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, and unique doping mechanism, polyaniline (PANI) is expected to be a highly efficient microwave absorber. However, the lack of magnetic loss and multi-interface polarization of single-component PANI makes it difficult to meet practical applications. Therefore, compounding PANI with other lossy materials is used to improve its MA performance. This paper reviews the research background and the mechanism of PANI-based MA materials. Subsequently, the research progress of PANI/carbon composites, PANI/ferrite composites, PANI/natural composites and multicomponent PANI-based composites is introduced. The challenges and the prospects for the development of PANI-based composites in MA are presented, and the directions and the priorities for future research are pointed out. • Representative polyaniline-based microwave absorbers are introduced. • The mechanism of polyaniline-based microwave absorbers is elaborated and summarized. • The related modification strategies of polyaniline-based microwave absorbers are classified. • The facing challenges and further opportunities of polyaniline-based microwave absorbers are overviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient microwave absorption (MA) materials have drawn wide attention due to the harm for humans and electronic equipment from electromagnetic pollution. In this work, the porous hexagonal flaky Co@C core-shell composites were designed and fabricated via a facile process. The microstructure, composition, magnetic performance and MA performance of samples were characterized and discussed. The optimal reflection loss (RL) of sample loaded with Co@C core-shell composites could reach −53.8 dB (9.46 GHz) at the thickness of 2.2 mm, and the corresponding effective absorption bandwidth (EAB, RL<−10 dB) could be up to 5.4 GHz. The results show that the porous hexagonal flaky Co@C core-shell composites, which can be prepared through a low-cost synthesis process, will be a good candidate for the efficient MA applications. • Porous hexagonal flaky Co@C core-shell composites were designed and fabricated via a facile process. • The microwave absorption mechanism of porous hexagonal flaky Co@C core-shell composites was demonstrated in depth. • The optimal absorption of −53.8 dB and the effective absorption bandwidth of 5.4 GHz can be obtained at the thickness of 2.2 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hierarchical structured ZnFe 2 O 4 @SiO 2 @C@NiO/reduced graphene oxide (ZSCN/RGO) composites were designed and fabricated via a multi-step route. One-dimensional (1D) ZnFe 2 O 4 @SiO 2 nanochains were fabricated through magnetic-field-induced stöber method. ZnFe 2 O 4 @SiO 2 @phenolic resin nanochains were synthesized through in-situ polymerization and then after high-temperature carbonization ZnFe 2 O 4 @SiO 2 @C (ZSC) nanochains were obtained. 1D ZSCN nanochains with flower-like surface were formed after NiO nanosheets grew irregularly on the surface. Finally, ZSCN/RGO composites with ZSCN nanochains anchoring on RGO nanosheets were successfully synthesized. The morphology, structure, composition and magnetic performance were systematically investigated. Moreover, the microwave absorption (MA) properties of ZSCN nanochains and ZSCN/RGO composites were compared. The results indicate that ZSCN/RGO composites exhibit a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of −66.38 dB (9.58 GHz) and an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 3.44 GHz (8.12–11.56 GHz) at a thickness of 2.45 mm, due to the synergetic effect between ZnFe 2 O 4 , SiO 2 , carbon, NiO and RGO. • One-dimensional ZnFe 2 O 4 @SiO 2 @C nanochains were synthesized successfully. • The flower-like structure was obtained after NiO nanosheets grew on ZnFe 2 O 4 @SiO 2 @C nanochains by the hydrothermal method. • The microwave absorption mechanism of ZnFe 2 O 4 @SiO 2 @C@NiO/reduced graphene oxide was demonstrated in depth. • The strongest absorption of -66.38 dB and the effective absorption bandwidth of 3.44 GHz can be obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]