Synergistic multiscale architecture design and heterointerface engineering enable tailored electromagnetic wave absorption and multifunctional integration

The synergistic strategy of multi-scale structural design and heterogeneous interface engineering provides a feasible approach to modulate electromagnetic wave absorption (EMA) behavior and develop multi-functional integration. Herein, MOF-derived nanoarray-decorated volcanic rock-like carbon aerogel microspheres (CCAM@NiCo) have been successfully fabricated via Pickering emulsion technology combined with in situ heterogeneous epitaxial growth and annealing processes. The optimized architecture demonstrates an impressive low reflection loss (RL) of −61.7 dB at 2.2 mm thickness, achieving broadband absorption covering 7.1 GHz at an ultrathin 1.8 mm thickness. As confirmed by electromagnetic simulations, the exceptional impedance matching originates from triple structural optimizations: (i) “ensemble effects” between microspheres, (ii) surface roughness with tailored porosity, and (iii) gradient porous structures within individual microspheres. In addition to their EMA performance, the composite aerogel microspheres demonstrate an ultralow corrosion potential in simulated marine environments (3.5 wt% NaCl) and achieve rapid oil adsorption (approximately 12 times self-weight) within 0.5 s through magnetic responsiveness. This research addresses the dual limitations of conventional absorbers concerning environmental durability and functional singularity, establishing a new paradigm for developing intelligent materials that integrate electromagnetic stealth, corrosion resistance, and environmental remediation capabilities.