The widespread usage of contemporary communication and electronic devices has rendered electromagnetic radiation and interference prominent environmental concerns. This has prompted the design development of innovative high-efficiency microwave absorption materials (MAMs). MXene-based composites demonstrate potential in this domain owing to their superior intrinsic electromagnetic characteristics. By integrating magnetic nanomaterials, the resultant composites may establish a distinctive “magnetic-dielectric” dual-loss network via regulation of interaction between magnetic nanomaterials and MXenes. This network efficiently integrates the superior charge-transfer properties of MXenes with the magnetic loss processes of magnetic nanomaterials, which is fundamental to boosting microwave absorption performance. In the past few years, significant accomplishments have been achieved in this aspect. Herein, we intend to systematically summarize the theoretical foundations and recent advancements in magnetic nanomaterial-reinforced MXene MAMs. First, we evaluate the loss mechanisms at heterogeneous interfaces of magnetic MXene MAMs. Secondly, we classify and assess the construction methodologies and the interaction regulation strategies for various magnetic systems (comprising magnetic metals, magnetic alloys, magnetic oxides, and magnetic sulfides) on MXene substrates and their corresponding effects on enhancing microwave absorption. Finally, we present the principal challenges faced by contemporary preparation procedures and performance optimization and offer insights into future trends regarding multi-functional integration. This review attempts to provide systematic insights for the design of high-performance MXene-based MAMs and to suggest novel approaches for the technical advancement of electromagnetic protection materials.

The accelerated growth of modern electronics and devices has drawn considerable attention for the exploration and fabrication of innovative electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials. Due to its layered porous architecture and distinctive characteristics, graphene aerogel is considered an appropriate candidate for advanced EMI shielding materials. Nonetheless, developing effective EMI shielding materials from graphene aerogel is challenging due to its moderate electrical conductivity. In this study, motivated by the concept of dielectric-magnetic synergy strategy, we present a graphene aerogel incorporating CoFe₂O₄ nanoparticles (NPs) and Ag nanowires (NWs) as enhancements. The CoFe₂O₄ NPs/Ag NWs/graphene aerogel, benefiting from the synergistic effects of CoFe₂O₄ NPs, Ag NWs, and graphene aerogel, demonstrated exceptional EMI shielding capabilities. Specifically, the CoFe₂O₄ NPs/Ag NWs/graphene aerogel (5 mm) offered an optimal shielding effectiveness of 67.4 dB, which was 247% of the graphite aerogel. Meanwhile, it exhibited a remarkable low density of 0.048 g/cm³ and a high specific shielding effectiveness value of up to 1291.67 dB·cm³/g. In addition, it also showed superior Joule heating performance and hydrophobicity.

With the advancement of communication technology and electronics, electromagnetic pollution and associated electromagnetic concerns have become a significant global environmental issue. This necessitates the urgent design and fabrication of electromagnetic microwave absorption materials to meet the rising and diverse application requirements. Ferrite/carbon composites have drawn significant interest in microwave absorption due to their intriguing merits. Specifically, these composites are capable of inducing a magnetic-dielectric synergy loss mechanism, integrating the dielectric loss characteristics of carbon materials with the substantial magnetic loss capacity of ferrites. Herein, we aim to comprehensively review the foundational and research advancements of ferrite/carbon composites from the last few years. At first, we provided an in-depth explanation of the principles behind the magnetic-dielectric synergy loss mechanism. Subsequently, we thoroughly evaluated the design and application of magnetic-dielectric synergy in ferrite/carbon composites, encompassing both spinel ferrite/carbon composites and hexagonal ferrite/carbon composites. At last, the current challenges and prospects of ferrite/carbon composites were discussed. It is hoped that the present review could offer a fundamental understanding of ferrite/carbon composites for microwave absorption and propose guidelines for the development of novel microwave absorbers.