Advancing device-level strategies for MXene-based green electromagnetic shielding: From attenuation mechanisms to architecture design

The widespread proliferation of modern wireless devices coupled with overlapping power emissions has brought about electromagnetic (EM) pollution issues, posing many challenges to environment and human health. Therefore, the development of EM shielding devices with high green shielding index (g_s) is essential, as they offer absorption-dominant protection that minimizes reflections and safeguards both health and electronics. MXene, with its intrinsic ultra-high electrical conductivity, liquid-phase tunable surface chemistry, low density, large specific surface area, thermal stability, and mechanical stability, has become the leading 2D material driving the development of green EM shielding devices. In this review we emphasize device-level strategies with engineered architectures for MXene-based green EM shielding. We first examine MXene’s crystal and electronic structure and the fundamental attenuation mechanisms in MXene-based devices. Then we survey fabrication and assembly methods, analyzing three device-level strategies for MXene-based green EM shielded devices: 3D architectures, meta-structure/meta-surfaces, and external stimulus. Throughout, we highlight how MXene’s distinguished properties enable green EM interference (EMI) shielding devices that minimize secondary interference. Finally, we discuss the challenges faced in the effective utilization of MXene-based in green EM shielding devices, provide insights into these challenges, and offer guidelines for developing the solutions of next-generation green MXene-based EM shielding devices.