Advances in transparent electromagnetic interference shielding materials: A review

With the popularization of fifth-generation (5G) technology, even the next generation-6G and portable electronic products, electromagnetic wave pollution poses a serious threat to human physical and mental health and the normal operation of devices. The rapid development of display screens, medical equipment, and aerospace equipment has led to a surge in demand for high-performance transparent electromagnetic shielding materials to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) while ensuring optical clarity. This review systematically examines the latest developments in transparent EMI shielding materials, with a focus on their mechanisms, key material categories, and strategies for balancing shielding effectiveness (SE) and transmittance. The shielding mechanism (reflection, absorption, and multiple reflections) was analyzed through transmission line theory. This work reviews transparent EMI shielding materials based on transparent conductive oxides (TCOs), metal networks (MNs), carbon-based materials (CBMs), MXene, and other materials (OMs). The future development prospects and challenges of transparent EMI shielding materials were discussed. The review aims to promote the development of next-generation materials with high EMI shielding, optical transparency, and adaptability to complex environments.