LAUSR

Abstract Core-shell nanomaterials have been considered excellent microwave absorbents due to their unique morphologies and designs. Here, hexagonal-shaped Cr3C2 nanoplatelets coated with carbon shells (Cr3C2@C) were fabricated by an arc discharge plasma process. In as-synthesized Cr3C2@C nanoplatelets a weak ferromagnetism is found with an observable coercivity of 38 Oe, a saturation magnetization of 4 × 10−1 emu/g, and along with a suitable conductivity of 9.56 × 102 Ω−1cm−1. The observed suitable electrical conductivity and inductive magnetism of Cr3C2@C nanoplatelets played a vital role as a magnetic and conductive losses. Intrinsic defect-rich Cr3C2 cores and amorphous carbon shells acted as dielectric polarization centers, wherein the incident electromagnetic wave dissipated through polarization and interfacial losses. The Cr3C2@C nanoplatelets with 30 wt% loadings in the paraffin matrix exhibited a minimum reflection loss of −36.9 dB at the thickness of 1.6 mm. The excellent refelection loss performance of Cr3C2@C nanoplatelets was certified to be a result from the synergetic effects of dielectric/magnetic losses and impedance matching. Furthermore, the Cr3C2@C nanoplatelets exhibited oxidation resistivity at 350 °C endorsing their application in harsh atmospheres.