MXene-based materials for electromagnetic interference shielding: Fundamentals, mechanisms, and emerging applications

MXenes, a class of 2D transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides, have emerged as highly effective materials for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding due to their exceptional conductivity, tunable surface chemistry, structural flexibility, and lightweight nature. This review outlines the fundamental EMI shielding mechanisms in MXenes and their hybrids, with a focus on absorption, reflection, and multiple internal reflections. A novel categorization of MXene architectures, including dense laminates, ultrathin films, porous foams/and aerogels, hydrogels, and multifunctional hybrids, is presented, linking structure-mechanism relationships to shielding performance. Unexplored challenges such as oxidative degradation, limited scalability of synthesis, and insufficient evaluation at high frequencies are critically assessed, alongside strategies for overcoming them through termination engineering, porosity design, hybridization, and eco-friendly production routes. Additionally, applications across wireless communication, textiles and wearable electronics, soft robotics, smart grids and renewable energy, as well as military and defense, are highlighted. Future directions are also proposed for developing durable, flexible, and sustainable MXene-based EMI shields tailored to 5G/6G and emerging electronic technologies.