External Field-Driven Adaptive Electromagnetic Wave Response Material: From Mechanisms to Applications

The exponential growth of electronic devices and wireless communications has exacerbated electromagnetic interference (EMI) challenges, necessitating cutting-edge materials capable of self-adaptive electromagnetic (EM) wave shielding and absorption. The review examines state-of-the-art developments in tunable EM wave shielding and absorbing materials controlled by external fields. This work systematically analyzes regulation mechanisms, including force-controlled (compression, rotation, stretching), thermal-controlled (phase transition, thermal expansion), electric field-driven, and subwavelength structure-based approaches. The review evaluates how these materials address limitations of traditional static solutions while enabling dynamic EM response control. Particular attention is given to materials exhibiting switchable states between transmission/absorption/reflection and frequency-tunable properties. For instance, porous carbon-based materials and polymer composites are capable of effectively adjusting their response to EM waves when deformed by external forces. Subwavelength structural metamaterials and metasurfaces offer precise control over EM wave propagation through tailored resonances, graded refractive indices, and reconfigurable geometries. Notably, advancements in phase-change materials and magnetoelectric composites enable reversible switching between shielding, absorption, and transmission modes. This work discusses the underlying physical mechanisms, fabrication methods, and performance characteristics of these materials. The review concludes by identifying key challenges and opportunities in this rapidly evolving field, providing insights for future research directions in next-generation EM wave functional materials.