LAUSR

Abstract In search of lightweight, broadband and stable microwave absorbing material, here we have presented a morphology dependent study of microwave properties on Nickel Ferrite (NFO). A comparative study of permittivity (e), permeability (μ), Reflection Loss (RL) and Shielding efficiency (SE) on NFO nano hollow spheres (NHS) with its nano particles (NPs) and bulk counterpart has been performed for widely used X-Band (8–12 GHz) on composites filled (25 wt% and thickness of 2 mm) with each sample. Interestingly, NFO nano hollow spheres (NHS) are found to be highly efficient material towards microwave attenuation. An optimal RL of ∼−59.2 dB is obtained for frequency ∼11.7 GHz with a broad band-width (W) of ∼(9.18–12) GHz having RL  90%). Hollow cavity of NHS leads to a lower density (∼3.91 g/cc) as well as multiple internal reflections, which enhances wave absorption. Excellent impedance matching with free space, accompanied by proper dielectric and magnetic loss contributes towards maximization of RL for NHS. These properties enhance the potentiality of NFO NHS as an efficient microwave absorbing material suitable in various microwave devices.