Single-source-precursor synthesized SiC-based nanocomposites with an in-situ formed Nowotny phase as multifunctional materials for electrocatalytic and electromagnetic wave absorbing applications

This Ph.D. thesis is composed of three parts each summarizing an accepted publication. The first part is presented the Nowotny Phase (NP) embedded in a porous SiC/C nanocomposite matrix synthesized via a single-source-precursor approach involving the reaction of allylhydridopolycarbosilane with MoO2(acac)2. It is discovered for the first time that NP/C/SiC ceramic nanocomposites exhibit outstanding electrocatalytic properties suitable for the electrochemical hydrogen evolution. The second part reports how divinylbenzene (DVB) is used as a carbon-rich source to synthesize mesoporous NP/C/SiC ceramic nanocomposites with higher carbon content. The HER activity of the carbon-rich NP/C/SiC ceramic nanocomposites is further improved, due to their enhanced conductivity and high surface area. Finally, the third part of the thesis describes the discovery of interesting dielectric properties and outstanding EMA performance of the as-synthesized NP/C/SiC ceramic nanocomposites. This part is discussed also the high-temperature phase evolution of the respective nanocomposites