Layer-by-Layer Self-Assembled Ferrite Multilayer Nanofilms for Microwave Absorption

Abstract EN

We demonstrate a simple method for fabricating multilayer thin films containing ferrite (Co0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4) nanoparticles, using layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly.

These films have microwave absorbing properties for possible radar absorbing and stealth applications.

To demonstrate incorporation of inorganic ferrite nanoparticles into an electrostatic-interaction-based LbL self-assembly, we fabricated two types of films: (1) a blended three-component LbL film consisting of a sequential poly(acrylic acid)/oleic acid-ferrite blend layer and a poly(allylamine hydrochloride) layer and (2) a tetralayer LbL film consisting of sequential poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride), poly(sodium-4-sulfonate), bPEI-ferrite, and poly(sodium-4-sulfonate) layers.

We compared surface morphologies, thicknesses, and packing density of the two types of ferrite multilayer film.

Ferrite nanoparticles (Co0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4) were prepared via a coprecipitation method from an aqueous precursor solution.

The structure and composition of the ferrite nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy.

X-ray diffraction patterns of ferrite nanoparticles indicated a cubic spinel structure, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed their composition.

Thickness growth and surface morphology were measured using a profilometer, atomic force microscope, and scanning electron microscope.