Recent advance in three-dimensional porous carbon materials for electromagnetic wave absorption

With the increasingly serious electromagnetic wave (EMW) pollution, the development of high-performance EMW absorbing materials (EWAMs) has become a hot topic. Carbon-based EWAMs have excellent chemical stability, high electrical conductivity, and strong dielectric loss. In particular, three-dimensional (3D) porous carbon-based EWAMs have been widely developed in the EMW absorption field. The 3D porous structure not only reduces the materials’ mass density, but also improves the multiple reflections of incident EMWs and impedance matching. The carbon-based EWAMs are thus expected to achieve the goals of low density, low thickness, wide absorption bandwidth, and strong absorption. Herein, we first restated the relevant theoretical basis and evaluation methods. Then, we summarized the recent research progress of 3D porous carbon-based EWAMs with the source of the materials as the main clue. Some unique and novel viewpoints were highlighted. Finally, the challenges and prospects of 3D porous carbon-based EWAMs were put forward, which is helpful for guiding a further development of high-performance EWAMs.