Hierarchical C/Co₃O₄nanoarray on a nickel substrate integrating electromagnetic and thermal shielding

A multi-functional electromagnetic (EM) device is an important pillar for promoting the progress of an intelligent society. Herein, a ZIF-67 nanoneedle array assembled on a nickel substrate is used as a precursor to construct a C/Co3O4 nanoarray via a simple thermal treatment approach, integrating the two functions of EM and thermal shielding. Its unique three-dimensional porous structure and integrated components endow this material with an average shielding efficiency of 99.62% and a maximum temperature difference of about 25 K. In addition, this skeleton structure features light weight, low density and small cost, which can be utilized to construct wearable devices to protect human beings from EM and thermal radiation. This study furnishes a novel horizon for the design and construction of multi-functional and wearable EM devices, and promotes the development of the EM field and the progress of multi-disciplinary technologies.