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Page 12 of 15 Ding et al. Soft Sci. 2026, 6, 2

absorption performance [Figure 5J] [54-62] . Collectively, the ultralow RLmin, broad EAB, superior impedance
matching, and substantial RCS suppression exhibited by Zn Co Ni Fe O strongly validate its exceptional
2-y
1-x
4
y
x
potential as a next-generation microwave-absorbing material, with promising implications for practical
applications in radar stealth and EM pollution mitigation.
The Smith charts [Figure 6A-D] are used to assess the impedance-matching characteristics of the materials,
where data points closer to the chart center indicate better impedance matching. Notably, Zn Co Ni Fe O 4
x
y
2-y
1-x
shows a higher density of points near the center, demonstrating that the dual-ion-doped spinel structure
exhibits superior impedance-matching performance . To quantitatively assess the combined contributions
[63]
of dielectric and magnetic losses to electromagnetic energy attenuation, the attenuation constant (α) was
further evaluated . Benefiting from its strong dielectric loss capability together with enhanced magnetic
[64]
loss, Zn Co Ni Fe O exhibits the highest α value over the entire measured frequency range [Figure 6E].
4
y
2-y
1-x
x
This elevated attenuation constant directly accounts for its superior microwave absorption performance,
confirming that the synergistic interplay between optimized impedance matching and efficient energy
dissipation is essential for high-performance EM wave absorbers [Figure 6F and G].
CONCLUSIONS
In this work, we adopted a synergistic strategy combining the self-sacrificing template method and tannic
acid-mediated multi-metal ion doping to synthesize hollow dodecahedral nanocages of Zn Co Ni Fe O .
1-x
2-y
x
4
y
The deliberate introduction of hetero-metal ions was found to induce lattice distortion and the exsolution of
a secondary ZnO phase, thereby creating a high density of heterogeneous interfaces that significantly amplify
interfacial polarization. Furthermore, the hollow architecture was strategically integrated to optimize
impedance matching and reduce the effective density of the composite, ensuring superior attenuation
performance. This integrated structural and compositional modulation paradigm is expected to facilitate the
development of high-performance, lightweight microwave absorbers.

DECLARATIONS
Acknowledgments
The authors extend their gratitude to Ms. Zhang Yuyao (from Scientific Compass www.shiyanjia.com) for
providing invaluable assistance with the BET analysis.

Authors’ contributions
Writing-original draft preparation: Ding, L.; He, Z.
Writing-review and editing: Ding, L.; Zhang, R.; Liu, S.
Investigation: Geng, W.; Liu, P.
Supervision: Geng, W.; Liu, P.
Resources: Ding, L.; He, Z.; Zhang, R.; Liu, S.
Conceptualization: Liu, P.
Project administration: Liu, P.

Availability of data and materials
The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable
request.

Financial support and sponsorship
This work was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (52373271,
224751750) and Key Research and Development Project of Shaanxi Province (2025CY-YBXM-150).

Conflicts of interest
All authors declared that there are no conflicts of interest.