Recent advances in construction strategies and multifunctional properties of flexible electromagnetic wave absorbing materials

High-power, high-frequency electromagnetic (EM) radiation not only poses a threat to electronic devices but also presents a well-established danger to human health within the scientific community's consensus. EM wave absorbing materials (EMWAMs) have gained extensive attention for their ability to efficiently convert surplus EM pollution into alternative forms of energy. Traditional EMWAMs typically come in the form of large sheets or powdered coatings, offering a broad absorption frequency range and robust absorption effects suitable for coating large-scale equipment. However, their lack of flexibility hampers their ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions, rendering them ineffective in providing EM protection for small, precision equipment, and personnel. To date, researchers have responded to this challenge by developing a diverse range of flexible and multifunctional high-efficiency EMWAMs. This comprehensive review systematically summarizes these materials, including but not limited to sponges, foams, films, aerogels, and their construction methods, EM wave absorption mechanisms, performance comparisons, flexible characteristics, and multifunctional applications. In conclusion, we propose potential future directions and application prospects for flexible EMWAMs in the near term. This holds substantial theoretical and practical value in guiding the development of the next generation of flexible EMWAMs.