Self-Compensating strategy of electronic Structure-Modulated selenide @ carbon nanotube / carbon nanofiber for High-Efficiency electromagnetic wave absorption and corrosion resistance

Atomic doping engineering represents a forefront in enhancing electromagnetic wave (EMW) dissipation by modulating electromagnetic response-related physical properties. Despite advantages in defect polarization, its limitations in precisely tailoring conductive/interfacial polarization loss often compromise the EMW absorption. This work proposes a loss pathway self-compensating strategy based on bimetallic catalytic theory and atomic doping effect, specifically involving the in-situ growth of carbon nanotubes encapsulating Cu-doped CoSe 2 on a carbon fiber framework. Deliberately introduced Cu, as a dual-effect electronic structure modulator, facilitates the controllability of carbon nanotubes and localized charge rearrangement in CoSe 2 , achieving dynamic synergistic regulation of conductive and defect polarization loss. The multi-dimensional coupling architecture further optimizes interfacial polarization loss and impedance matching. The perfected samples exhibit brilliant EMW absorption performance, achieving an extraordinary minimum reflection loss value of − 68.4 dB and an impressive ultra-wide effective absorption bandwidth of 7.11 GHz. Electromagnetic parameter analyses and density functional theory calculations reveal direct and indirect feedback mechanisms of electronic structure on loss pathways. Radar cross-section simulations and marine corrosion tests confirm the suitability of sample for marine defence. This work presents a strategy leveraging electronic structure modulation to circumvent loss pathway compromises, supplying a new inspiration for designing advanced EMW absorbing materials.