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Bioinspired Layered-Gradient Nanocomposites for Intelligent Electromagnetic Skins with GHz-THz Wave Absorption,
Xianyuan Liu1, Yang Zhao1, Yali Zhang2
1State Key Laboratory of Bioinspired Interfacial Materials Science, School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China.
Nano-Micro Letters
|April 24, 2026
Summary
We developed a novel gradient film for intelligent electromagnetic skins, achieving effective microwave absorption and electromagnetic interference shielding. This scalable material also offers programmable actuation, enhancing its utility in advanced applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electromagnetics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Intelligent electromagnetic skins require scalable films with integrated microwave absorption, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, and programmable actuation capabilities.
- Existing materials often struggle to balance these diverse functionalities efficiently.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a bioinspired, bamboo-like layered-gradient system for advanced electromagnetic skins.
- To achieve effective gigahertz (GHz)-terahertz (THz) wave absorption, EMI shielding, and stimuli-responsive actuation in a single, scalable material.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of asymmetric films using scalable vacuum filtration, integrating Al-Fe3O4 nanosheets, aramid nanofibers, and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) with a through-thickness gradient.
- Characterization of electromagnetic properties (absorption, shielding) and actuation behavior triggered by ethanol.
Main Results:
- Achieved excellent microwave absorption (minimum reflection loss: -56.6 dB) at low PEDOT loading.
- Demonstrated efficient EMI shielding (42.0 dB in GHz, 57.8 dB in THz) with increased PEDOT content creating a conductive network.
- Enabled programmable, anisotropic actuation triggered by ethanol, alongside high thermal stability, mechanical robustness, and flexibility.
Conclusions:
- The gradient architecture offers a scalable platform for intelligent electromagnetic skins by integrating magnetic-dielectric coupling, conductive network tuning, and stimuli-responsive actuation.
- This bioinspired design successfully balances multiple electromagnetic and mechanical functionalities in a single material.
