Construction strategies and recent advances of flexible EMI phase change composites

With the continuous development of small and medium-sized electronic devices, which bring convenience to people’s lives, electromagnetic wave (EMW) pollution has emerged as a significant issue. The development of materials with electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding capabilities for protection against harmful radiation plays a vital role. Currently, a wide range of multifunctional, lightweight EMI shielding materials have been created to address various environmental requirements. However, a single EMI shielding material has been difficult to meet the requirements of high-speed transmission of electromagnetic radiation of electronic equipment because when such devices operate at high speeds, they typically generate elevated temperatures, and excessive electromagnetic radiation further exacerbates heat accumulation, reducing both efficiency and lifespan. Therefore, thermal management is essential to lower operating temperatures and ensure optimal performance. Phase change materials (PCMs) are known for storing a large amount of energy, and have significant potential in thermal management, so flexible EMI phase change composites (PCCs) have emerged. This review provides a detailed examination of flexible EMI shielding materials based on various fillers, the potential of flexible PCMs in thermal management, and the latest advancements in developing new lightweight EMI PCCs. Finally, we suggest some potential research directions for flexible EMI shielding PCCs, hoping to contribute to the rapid advancement of next-generation flexible electronics, human thermal management, and artificial intelligence.