Interfacial electron rearrangement of 3D Fe3O4/h-YFeO3 composites for efficient electromagnetic wave absorption

Interface modulation is an important pathway for high-efficiency electromagnetic wave absorption. Herein, tailored interfaces between Fe3O4 particles and the hexagonal-YFeO3 (h-YFeO3) framework were constructed via facile self-assembly, resulting in enhanced dielectric and magnetic loss synergy via interfacial electron rearrangement at the heterojunction. Experimental results and density function theory (DFT) simulations demonstrate a transition in electrical properties from a half-metallic monophase to metallic Fe3O4/h-YFeO3 composites, emphasizing the advantageous effect of hetero-interface formation. The transformation of electron behavior demonstrates a redistribution of electrons at the Fe3O4−h-YFeO3 heterojunction, leading to a localized electron accumulation around the Y-O-Fe band bridge, consequently yielding enhanced polarization. A minimum reflection loss of -34.0 dB can be achieved at 12.0 GHz at 2.0 mm thickness with an effective bandwidth of 3.3 GHz due to the abundant interfaces, enhanced polarization, and rational impedance. Thus, the synergistic effects endow the Fe3O4/h-YFeO3 composites with high-performance and tunable functional properties for efficient electromagnetic absorption.