Cellulose-Based Electromagnetic Functional Aerogels: Mechanism, Fabrication, Structural Design, and Application

Electromagnetic functional materials offer a promising solution to reduce impacts from electromagnetic pollution and interference, such as digital communications, national defenses, and military fields. Cellulose-based aerogels, featured with their hierarchical porous structure, high specific surface area, and surface activity, can be engineered to possess electromagnetic wave shielding and absorption capabilities through structural regulation, composition optimization, and material functionalization. Moreover, these cellulose-based aerogels exhibit remarkable renewability and biocompatibility, highlighting their significant potential in the field of electromagnetic functional materials. In this review, we stigmatically overview the state-of-the-art of cellulosic electromagnetic functional aerogels, which begins with elucidating the mechanisms behind electromagnetic interference shielding and microwave absorption. The material design based on the physical and chemical characteristics of cellulose aerogels is discussed. Furthermore, the hierarchical design strategies of the cellulosic electromagnetic functional aerogels are reviewed including macro-structures, micro/nanostructures, and supramolecular structures. Multifunctional applications of cellulose electromagnetic functional aerogels are presented, such as infrared and radar stealth materials, intelligent responsive electromagnetic devices, and radiation protection equipment. Finally, an up-to-date summary and an outlook on developing the cellulose-based electromagnetic functional aerogels are provided in the fields of electromagnetic interference shielding and microwave absorption, as well as outlining future research perspectives.