Research Progress on Carbon-Based Microwave Absorbing Materials: From Composition Design to Multi-Scale Structural Engineering

Authors

Xiaolin Fu Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials and Technology, Qinghai Minzu University, Xining 810007, Qinghai, China
Yimeng Zhen Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials and Technology, Qinghai Minzu University, Xining 810007, Qinghai, China
Anyao Jin Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials and Technology, Qinghai Minzu University, Xining 810007, Qinghai, China
Honghui Jiang Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials and Technology, Qinghai Minzu University, Xining 810007, Qinghai, China
Xianzi Qin Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials and Technology, Qinghai Minzu University, Xining 810007, Qinghai, China
Jing Yuan Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials and Technology, Qinghai Minzu University, Xining 810007, Qinghai, China

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53469/wjimt.2026.09(04).03

Keywords:

Carbon-based materials, Microwave absorption, Impedance matching, Structural design, Multifunctional integration

Abstract

With the rapid advancement of fifth-generation (5G) wireless communication and radar detection technologies, electromagnetic radiation pollution has become a critical threat to the safe operation of electronic equipment, information security, and even human health. Therefore, developing high-performance microwave absorbing materials is of great military and civilian significance. Carbon-based materials, owing to their unique advantages including low density, strong dielectric loss, excellent chemical stability, and highly tunable structural and electromagnetic parameters, show enormous potential in the field of microwave absorption. This article systematically reviews the latest research progress in carbon-based microwave absorbing materials. First, the fundamental principles of electromagnetic wave absorption are elucidated from the perspectives of impedance matching and attenuation mechanisms. Second, the design strategies and absorption performance of various carbon-based absorbers, such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, and biomass-derived carbon, are systematically introduced according to material type. Third, from the perspective of multiscale structural engineering, the regulatory effects of macroscopic structural designs, including aerogels, metamaterials, and bio-inspired structures, on microwave absorption performance are analyzed. Finally, the key challenges currently faced by carbon-based microwave absorbing materials are summarized, and future development trends are discussed, including green preparation, low-frequency absorption, and novel material systems with multi-physics field responsiveness.

References

D. Ma, T.R. Lee, Meeting a Rising Need of Electromagnetic Interference Shielding with Nanomaterials, ACS Appl. Nano Mater. 7 (2024) 2414–2416. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsanm.3c06009.

Y. Bai, B. Xie, H. Li, R. Tian, Q. Zhang, Mechanical properties and electromagnetic absorption characteristics of foam Cement-based absorbing materials, Construction and Building Materials 330 (2022) 127221. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.127221.

C. Guan, S. Su, B. Wang, J. Zhong, J. Chen, F. Sun, L. Zhan, Electromagnetic stealth technology: A review of wave-absorbing structures, Materials & Design 253 (2025) 113891. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2025.113891.

X. Zeng, X. Cheng, R. Yu, G.D. Stucky, Electromagnetic microwave absorption theory and recent achievements in microwave absorbers, Carbon 168 (2020) 606–623. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbon.2020.07.028.

K. Tian, Y. Huang, J. Wang, C. Zhang, R. Shu, Z. Chen, X. Liu, Y. Li, L. Xu, Carbon cloth based flexible electromagnetic wave absorbing materials loaded with Co3O4 array and tunable electromagnetic wave absorption performance, Journal of Colloid and Interface Science 649 (2023) 675–684. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2023.06.131.

Y. Liu, S. Hao, H. Wu, S. Cai, J. Xie, Efficient preparation of high-frequency wave-absorbing SiC/graphene composite powder, Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics 37 (2026) 235. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10854-026-16654-w.

M. Ling, F. Wu, P. Liu, Q. Zhang, B. Zhang, Fabrication of Graphdiyne/Graphene Composite Microsphere with Wrinkled Surface via Ultrasonic Spray Compounding and its Microwave Absorption Properties, Small 19 (2023) 2205925. https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202205925.

C. Liu, J. Lin, N. Wu, C. Weng, M. Han, W. Liu, J. Liu, Z. Zeng, Perspectives for electromagnetic wave absorption with graphene, Carbon 223 (2024) 119017. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbon.2024.119017.

X. Chen, H. Liu, D. Hu, H. Liu, W. Ma, Recent advances in carbon nanotubes-based microwave absorbing composites, Ceramics International 47 (2021) 23749–23761. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2021.05.219.

Z.G. Sun, X.J. Qiao, X. Wan, Q.G. Ren, W.C. Li, S.Z. Zhang, X.D. Guo, The synthesis and microwave absorbing properties of MWCNTs and MWCNTs/ferromagnet composites, Applied Physics A 122 (2016) 87. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-016-9598-5.

C. Mingdong, Y. Huangzhong, J. Xiaohua, L. Yigang, Optimization on microwave absorbing properties of carbon nanotubes and magnetic oxide composite materials, Applied Surface Science 434 (2018) 1321–1326. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2017.11.107.

Y. Chen, R. Qiang, Y. Shao, J. Qiu, Q. Ma, X. Yang, R. Xue, B. Chen, S. Feng, Y. Ding, Biomass-derived Fe/C composites for broadband electromagnetic wave response, Journal of Alloys and Compounds 968 (2023) 171952. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jallcom.2023.171952.

X. Lin, Y. Zhou, J. Hong, X. Wei, B. Liu, C.-C. Wang, Facile preparation of ZIF-8/ZIF-67-derived biomass carbon composites for highly efficient electromagnetic wave absorption, Chinese Chemical Letters 35 (2024) 109835. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cclet.2024.109835.

J. Jing, Y. Xiong, S. Shi, H. Pei, Y. Chen, P. Lambin, Facile fabrication of lightweight porous FDM-Printed polyethylene/graphene nanocomposites with enhanced interfacial strength for electromagnetic interference shielding, Composites Science and Technology 207 (2021) 108732. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compscitech.2021.108732.

Y. Shi, B. Liang, H. Gao, R. Zhao, Q. Dong, T. Li, Y. Ma, W. Gao, J. Zhang, J. Gu, S. Melhi, M. Shalash, Z.M. El-Bahy, Z. Guo, Research progress on spherical carbon-based electromagnetic wave absorbing composites, Carbon 227 (2024) 119244. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbon.2024.119244.

Y. Wang, X. Zhou, H. Gu, S. Yang, X. Long, S. Zhai, Q. Sun, Preparation and properties of starch-based carbon aerogel/FeCoNi composite wave-absorbing materials, RSC Adv. 16 (2026) 15609–15625. https://doi.org/10.1039/D6RA00299D.

F. Luo, D. Liu, T. Cao, H. Cheng, J. Kuang, Y. Deng, W. Xie, Study on broadband microwave absorbing performance of gradient porous structure, Advanced Composites and Hybrid Materials 4 (2021) 591–601. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42114-021-00275-4.

J. Zhao, J. Zhang, L. Wang, S. Lyu, W. Ye, B.B. Xu, H. Qiu, L. Chen, J. Gu, Fabrication and investigation on ternary heterogeneous MWCNT@TiO2-C fillers and their silicone rubber wave-absorbing composites, Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing 129 (2020) 105714. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2019.105714.

J. Wang, Y. Huyan, Z. Yang, A. Zhang, Q. Zhang, B. Zhang, Tubular carbon nanofibers: Synthesis, characterization and applications in microwave absorption, Carbon 152 (2019) 255–266. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbon.2019.06.048.

X. Wang, Z. Du, M. Hou, Z. Ding, C. Jiang, X. Huang, J. Yue, Approximate solution of impedance matching for nonmagnetic homogeneous absorbing materials, The European Physical Journal Special Topics 231 (2022) 4213–4220. https://doi.org/10.1140/epjs/s11734-022-00570-1.

C. Liu, Y. Tong, C. Liu, H. Sun, Q. Hu, S. Wu, Y. Zhao, J. Li, X. Guo, Y. Feng, Impedance matching optimization mechanism of SiBCN(Ni) absorbing fibers with Ni as catalyst, Ceramics International 50 (2024) 15965–15975. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2024.02.076.

Y. Feng, T. Li, K. Ge, X. Wang, G. Wen, J. Ye, L. Xia, Impedance matching strategy boost excellent wave absorption performance of zinc-Aluminosilicate cladded short carbon fiber core-sheath structure, Materials Research Bulletin 153 (2022) 111872. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.materresbull.2022.111872.

Y. He, X. Li, D. Liu, W. Fu, Q. Su, B. Zhong, L. Xia, X. Huang, Tuning N-doping to balance conductivity and polarization relaxation: A strategy for converting SiO2 from an electromagnetic wave-transmitting to absorbing material, Applied Surface Science 639 (2023) 158151. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2023.158151.

Z. Ye, R. Luo, L. Wang, H. Yang, Z. Ye, J. Wang, X. Dong, X. Yang, J. Huang, Effects of high-temperature pre-oxidation treatment on the wave-absorbing properties of SiC fibers, Ceramics International 51 (2025) 20755–20764. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2025.02.242.

Y. Zhao, Z. Lin, L. Huang, Z. Meng, H. Yu, X. Kou, Z. Zou, P. Huang, Y. Wang, D. Xi, P. Yin, G. Su, Z. Fan, Z. Su, D. Xu, L. Pan, L. Xu, Simultaneous optimization of conduction and polarization losses in CNT@NiCo compounds for superior electromagnetic wave absorption, Journal of Materials Science & Technology 166 (2023) 34–46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmst.2023.04.045.

J. Lu, X. Zhang, X. Yan, D. Liu, L. Wang, Y. Wang, X. Huang, G. Wen, Sodium citrate-induced generation of multi-interfacial embroidered spherical SnO2 for augmented electromagnetic wave absorption, J. Mater. Chem. C 11 (2023) 4855–4866. https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TC00229B.

L. Yuan, W. Zhao, Y. Miao, C. Wang, A. Cui, Z. Tian, T. Wang, A. Meng, M. Zhang, Z. Li, Constructing core-shell carbon fiber/polypyrrole/CoFe2O4 nanocomposite with optimized conductive loss and polarization loss toward efficient electromagnetic absorption, Advanced Composites and Hybrid Materials 7 (2024) 70. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42114-024-00864-z.

S. Wei, X. Wang, B. Wang, Y. Wang, Y. Liang, Z. Liu, H. Zhang, Q. Xu, H. Mou, Constructing and optimizing epoxy resin-based carbon Nanotube/Barium ferrite microwave absorbing coating system, Materials Research Bulletin 179 (2024) 112928. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.materresbull.2024.112928.

Y. Zeng, L. Long, J. Yu, Y. Li, Y. Li, W. Zhou, High-efficiency electromagnetic wave absorption of lightweight Nb2O5/CNTs/polyimide with excellent thermal insulation and compression resistance integration, Composites Science and Technology 250 (2024) 110531. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compscitech.2024.110531.

Z. Zhong, B. Zhang, J. Ye, Y. Ren, F. Ye, Tailorable microwave absorption properties of macro-porous core@shell structured SiC@Ti3SiC2 via molten salt shielded synthesis (MS3) method in air, Journal of Alloys and Compounds 927 (2022) 167046. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jallcom.2022.167046.

J. Zhang, P. Wang, G. Wang, B. Duan, T. Wang, F. Li, Investigation on the absorption performance by separated electromagnetic waves reflected from different interfaces of absorber, Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials 498 (2020) 166096. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmmm.2019.166096.

H.T. Yudistira, K. Kananda, The Preliminary Microwave Metamaterial Absorber Based on Ring-Shaped for Stealth Technology, IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science 1209 (2023) 012028. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1209/1/012028.

M. Sathish Kumar, A. Joseph, K.C. James Raju, R. Jayavel, Engineering multifunctionality graphene-based nanocomposites with epoxy-silane functionalized cardanol for next-generation microwave absorber, Journal of Colloid and Interface Science 678 (2025) 407–420. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2024.08.193.

X. Guo, Q. Wei, P. Zhang, P.K. Shen, Z.Q. Tian, 3D Porous Graphene with Atomic Fe Coordinated by Pyrrole-N Dopants for Efficient Electromagnetic Wave Absorption with Low Filler Loading and Thin Thickness, Small 21 (2025) 2501189. https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202501189.

Z. Liu, B. Wang, S. Wei, W. Huang, Y. Wang, Y. Liang, X. Wang, Z. Yang, Controlled self-assembled FeNi alloy/graphene foam composite for lightweight and broadband microwave absorption, J. Mater. Chem. C 13 (2025) 17662–17673. https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TC02072G.

Y. Shi, X. Gao, J. Qiu, Synthesis and strengthened microwave absorption properties of three-dimensional porous Fe3O4/graphene composite foam, Ceramics International 45 (2019) 3126–3132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2018.10.212.

J. Yan, Y. Huang, X. Chen, C. Wei, Conducting polymers-NiFe2O4 coated on reduced graphene oxide sheets as electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption materials, Synthetic Metals 221 (2016) 291–298. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.synthmet.2016.09.018.

D. Lei, C. Liu, C. Dong, S. Wang, P. Zhang, Y. Li, J. Liu, Y. Dong, C. Zhou, Reduced Graphene Oxide/MXene/FeCoC Nanocomposite Aerogels Derived from Metal–Organic Frameworks toward Efficient Microwave Absorption, ACS Appl. Nano Mater. 7 (2024) 230–242. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsanm.3c04301.

K. Zhang, X. Chen, X. Gao, L. Chen, S. Ma, C. Xie, X. Zhang, W. Lu, Preparation and microwave absorption properties of carbon nanotubes/iron oxide/polypyrrole/carbon composites, Synthetic Metals 260 (2020) 116282. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.synthmet.2019.116282.

J. Feng, Y. Wang, Y. Hou, J. Li, L. Li, Synthesis and microwave absorption properties of coiled carbon nanotubes/CoFe2O4 composites, Ceramics International 42 (2016) 17814–17821. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2016.08.110.

Q. Yang, L. Liu, D. Hui, M. Chipara, Microstructure, electrical conductivity and microwave absorption properties of γ-FeNi decorated carbon nanotube composites, Composites Part B: Engineering 87 (2016) 256–262. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2015.09.056.

Y. Wang, Y. Liu, S. Yuan, H. Huang, Z. Wu, L. Xu, Y. Zhao, Optimizing electromagnetic wave absorption in electrospun carbon-based fibers through dielectric and magnetic component modulation, Inorg. Chem. Front. 12 (2025) 786–800. https://doi.org/10.1039/D4QI02776K.

Z. Zhao, Z. Ma, Z. Ding, Y. Liu, M. Zhang, C. Jiang, Synergistic effect and heterointerface engineering of cobalt/carbon nanotubes enhancing electromagnetic wave absorbing properties of silicon carbide fibers, Nano Research 17 (2024) 8479–8486. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12274-024-6780-5.

Y. Shao, L. Zou, Y. Chen, L. Wang, L. Song, H. Xu, P. Yang, Core-sheath structured CNT@Ni-CNT fiber-based multifunctional fabric with high-sensitivity, wide-range strain sensing, and enhanced electromagnetic shielding absorption, Chemical Engineering Journal 512 (2025) 162358. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2025.162358.

M. Yang, Y. Deng, M. Zhang, S. Zhou, C. Liu, X. Jian, Y. Chen, Simple preparation of 1D hierarchical magnetic CNTs/hollow porous macroscopic carbon fiber composites for efficient microwave absorption, J. Mater. Chem. A 12 (2024) 24682–24693. https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03562C.

W. Li, F. Guo, Y. Zhao, Y. Liu, A Sustainable and Low-Cost Route to Design NiFe2O4 Nanoparticles/Biomass-Based Carbon Fibers with Broadband Microwave Absorption, Nanomaterials 12 (2022) 4063. https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12224063.

Z. Lou, Q. Wang, W. Sun, J. Liu, H. Yan, H. Han, H. Bian, Y. Li, Regulating lignin content to obtain excellent bamboo-derived electromagnetic wave absorber with thermal stability, Chemical Engineering Journal 430 (2022) 133178. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2021.133178.

S. Zhang, J. Zheng, X. Liang, D. Lan, L. Niu, X. Zhao, Z. Zhao, S. Zhang, G. Wu, X. Li, Phosphorus-Driven Heteroatom Doping in Mesoporous Carbon Hollow Platelets Enables Efficient Electromagnetic Wave Absorption, Small 21 (2025) e09237. https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202509237.

J. Wang, J. Ren, Q. Li, Y. Liu, Q. Zhang, B. Zhang, Synthesis and microwave absorbing properties of N-doped carbon microsphere composites with concavo-convex surface, Carbon 184 (2021) 195–206. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbon.2021.08.021.

M. Ding, Y. Liu, X. Lu, Y. Li, W. Tang, Boron doped diamond films: A microwave attenuation material with high thermal conductivity, Applied Physics Letters 114 (2019) 162901. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5083079.

Q. Pang, Z. Zhou, K. Cao, Z. Chen, Y. Zhang, X. Yang, W. Ye, C. Zheng, Y. Yang, R. Zhao, W. Xue, Eco-friendly N/S-doped synthesis of armor-like carbon fibers from waste wipes for broadband microwave absorption, Surfaces and Interfaces 72 (2025) 107334. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.surfin.2025.107334.

M. Qin, Q. Ye, X. Cai, J. Cai, H. Wu, Interface engineering by redox reaction on ferrites to prepare efficient electromagnetic wave absorbers, Journal of Materials Science & Technology 188 (2024) 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmst.2023.10.065.

Z. Zhao, Z. Ma, Z. Ding, Y. Liu, M. Zhang, C. Jiang, Synergistic effect and heterointerface engineering of cobalt/carbon nanotubes enhancing electromagnetic wave absorbing properties of silicon carbide fibers, Nano Research 17 (2024) 8479–8486. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12274-024-6780-5.

X. Wang, C. Zhao, C. Li, Y. Liu, S. Sun, Q. Yu, B. Yu, M. Cai, F. Zhou, Progress in MXene-based materials for microwave absorption, Journal of Materials Science & Technology 180 (2024) 207–225. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmst.2023.08.064.

W. Chu, K. Wang, S. Liu, Y. Chen, H. Li, H. Liu, Tailorable effective microwave absorption bandwidth of chitosan-derived carbon-based aerogel under different compression, Materials Research Bulletin 177 (2024) 112857. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.materresbull.2024.112857.

T. Huang, Z. Wu, J. Lin, Q. Yu, D. Tan, L. Li, A Facile Freeze-Drying Strategy To Prepare Hierarchically Porous Co/C Foams with Excellent Microwave Absorption Performance, ACS Appl. Electron. Mater. 1 (2019) 2541–2550. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsaelm.9b00565.

B. Li, J. Qiao, Y. Liu, H. Tian, W. Liu, Q. Wu, Z. Wang, J. Liu, Z. Zeng, Research on Electromagnetic Wave Absorption Based on Electrospinning Technology†, Chinese Journal of Chemistry 42 (2024) 777–789. https://doi.org/10.1002/cjoc.202300577.

Y. Yang, X. Shi, Q. Zhou, G. Deng, W. Li, C. Li, T. Yang, L. Yin, Structural design and electromagnetic wave absorbing performance optimization of lightweight foam cement-based metamaterials, Construction and Building Materials 438 (2024) 137191. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2024.137191.

S. Wu, X. Xu, D. Li, Multifunctional layered absorbing structures with ultra-wideband absorption derived from bio-inspired microwave absorbers, Applied Materials Today 45 (2025) 102796. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmt.2025.102796.

Y. Zhao, Y. Shan, G. Ji, Y. Sun, W. Shi, M. Li, Enhanced Microwave-Absorbing Property of Honeycomb Sandwich Structure with a Significant Interface Effect, Materials 15 (2022) 5741. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15165741.

Research Progress on Carbon-Based Microwave Absorbing Materials: From Composition Design to Multi-Scale Structural Engineering