Development of high-performance graphene-based microwave absorbing materials with low density and strong absorption is of great significance to solve the growing electromagnetic pollution. Herein, a controllable open-cell structure is introduced into graphene aerogels by the graphene oxide (GO) Pickering emulsion. The open-cell graphene aerogel (OCGA) with multiple microstructures shows a significantly enhanced microwave absorption ability without any additions. A high microwave absorption performance with the minimum value of reflection loss (RLmin) of -51.22 dB was achieved, while the material density was only 4.81 mg/cm3. Moreover, by means of centrifugation, the graphene cells were arranged by their diameter, and a gradient, open-cell graphene structure was first fabricated. Based on this unique structure, an amazing microwave absorption value of -62.58 dB was reached on a condition of ultra-low graphene content of 0.53 wt%. In our opinion, such excellent microwave absorption performance results from multiple reflection and well-matched impedance brought by the open-cell and gradient structure, respectively. In addition, the structural strength of the OCGA is greatly improved with a maximum increase of 167% due to the introduction of cell structure. Therefore, the OCGAs with the gradient structure can be an excellent candidate for lightweight, efficient microwave absorption materials.
Keywords: gradient microstructure; open cell; ultralight graphene aerogels; various microwave absorption.