Recent Advances in Stimuli-Responsive Materials for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding

Abstract

The increasing proliferation of electronic devices and advanced communication networks has resulted in heightened electromagnetic interference (EMI), posing significant challenges in both technological and environmental contexts. Traditional EMI shielding materials, such as metals and composite coatings, offer limited adaptability and are unable to meet the dynamic demands of modern electronic systems. Recent advancements have introduced smart stimuli-responsive materials for EMI shielding, which provide real-time tunability, thereby addressing the limitations of conventional static shielding solutions. These materials leverage various mechanisms—such as compressive and tensile strains, phase transitions, shape memory effects, and responses to chemical agents, humidity, or crossover angle changes—to dynamically adjust their EMI shielding effectiveness (EMI-SE). This review provides an in-depth analysis of the recent progress in smart EMI shielding technologies, highlighting their tunable mechanisms, material compositions, and applications. Furthermore, it discusses the existing challenges and potential future research directions required for the advancement of this technology. By enabling dynamic adaptability to electromagnetic environments, smart EMI shielding materials present a promising solution for telecommunications, wearable electronics, aerospace, and defense sectors.