Dynamically Tunable Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Materials: Principles, Recent Advances and Prospects

Abstract

With the widespread use of electronic devices and wireless communication technologies, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials are also rapidly developing. Traditional EMI shielding materials struggle to adapt to the increasingly complex and dynamic operational environments of smart systems due to their inherent fixed electromagnetic properties. Consequently, smart electromagnetic materials with dynamically tunable EMI shielding capability have recently emerged as a research focus. However, this research field remains in its early development stages, challenges persist in constructing lightweight, easily controllable, and high-performance materials with dynamically tunable EMI shielding capabilities. This review outlines the fundamental mechanisms of EMI shielding and provides a concise overview of the current research status of traditional EMI shielding materials. Next, it emphasizes the processes and mechanisms for dynamically tunable EMI shielding through the application of external stimuli (mechanical force, chemical reagents, thermal, electrical, etc.) and analyzes the current development status and the necessity for advancing tunable shielding materials. Finally, it proposes potential improvement strategies for dynamically tunable EMI shielding materials based on current challenges and outlines a forward-looking perspective on future development. This review is expected to guide the future development of intelligently tunable electromagnetic wave materials.