Dynamically Switchable Electromagnetic Responsive Materials: Enabling Reconfigurable Absorption, Shielding and Transmission

In recent years, intelligent materials for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and absorption are increasingly desirable for the rapid developments of 5G technology, electronic devices and military equipment. However, the majority of current studies are constrained by fixed functionality and properties, lacking the ability to dynamically respond to the complex and variable environments. The effective solution would be an efficient dynamic switching between electromagnetic wave transmission, absorption, and shielding functionalities. Therefore, this review aims to elucidate the factors influencing the dynamic switching capability of electromagnetic responses from the perspectives of both self-adaptive dynamic switching and dynamic switching under external field control. The working principles, structural designs, and functional methodologies of materials exhibiting instantaneous dynamic switching in their electromagnetic response are also summarized. Moreover, an outlook on the developmental trends of highly efficient materials with reversible electromagnetic functions is provided, and the challenges associated with designing efficient and real-time dynamic switching devices are thoroughly identified and analyzed. These insights are expected to drive transformative progress in the evolution of multifunctional intelligent electromagnetic response systems, paving the way for enhanced performance and adaptability levels.