Constructing multi-polarization in metal–organic framework gels for electromagnetic wave absorption via ethanolamine hetero-coordination

Metal–organic framework (MOF) gels offer the potential for tunable electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption owing to their customizable MOF cross-linked networks and strongly polar liquids. This overcomes the drawbacks of traditional MOF-derived absorbers; however, the corresponding EMW loss mechanism is absent. Here, a zeolite imidazole framework (ZIF) was used as a functional unit in conjunction with ethanolamine (EtA) hetero-coordination and methanol to fabricate ZIF organogels with the desired EMW absorption. The pore size of ZIF maintains the permeability for EtA and the methanol-barrier properties, which results in the formation of free –NH₂ and associated –NH₂ for EtA. The two corresponding species of dipole polarization losses provide additional EMW attenuation. Furthermore, the intensity inversion of the dual relaxation modes caused by the change in the size of the ZIF colloidal particles was used to improve the EMW absorption for the first time. ZIF organogels exhibited a strong correlation between dielectric properties and metal node species/EtA coordination density/hydrogen bonds, indicating that the absorption properties can be accurately regulated. Me-ZnCo-1 sample demonstrates the optimal effective absorption bandwidth of 6.59 GHz at 2.19 mm. This study not only elucidates the EMW loss mechanism of ZIF organogel networks but also proposes a creative design strategy for EMW-absorbing MOF gels.