Strategies to construct conductive structures of polymer-based electromagnetic wave attenuation composites

With the increasing use of communication devices and the resulting electromagnetic pollution, there is a significant demand for electromagnetic wave attenuation. Polymer-based electromagnetic wave (EMW) attenuation composites have more diverse structures and properties than metal shielding materials, thus meeting the requirements of preparing lightweight and efficient electromagnetic loss materials. Polymers have the advantages of structure designing and mechanical strength adjustment, and hence, they can be applied to electromagnetic wave loss matrix. However, most of these polymer-based electromagnetic wave attenuation composites have a high loading of fillers, resulting in the limitations of mechanical properties, electrical conductivities, and stabilities. Herein, we focused on the design and synthesis approaches of conductive polymer-based composites to improve EMW loss, and the EMW attenuation mechanism and performance were evaluated. Finally, corresponding challenges and some perspectives in the field of research are also discussed. This study is anticipated to provide an outlook on the design and development of such composites for a wide range of applications.