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Vol. 18 (2026)

Bioinspired Layered-Gradient Nanocomposites for Intelligent Electromagnetic Skins with GHz-THz Wave Absorption, Shielding, and Solvent-Driven Actuation

https://doi.org/10.1007/s40820-026-02202-y
Xianyuan Liu
State Key Laboratory of Bioinspired Interfacial Materials Science, School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, People’s Republic of China
Yang Zhao
State Key Laboratory of Bioinspired Interfacial Materials Science, School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, People’s Republic of China
Yali Zhang
Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, People’s Republic of China
Xuechun Cui
State Key Laboratory of Bioinspired Interfacial Materials Science, School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, People’s Republic of China
Ying Xue
State Key Laboratory of Bioinspired Interfacial Materials Science, School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, People’s Republic of China
Xianyong Lu
State Key Laboratory of Bioinspired Interfacial Materials Science, School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, People’s Republic of China
Junwei Gu
Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, People’s Republic of China

Corresponding Author: Junwei Gu

gjw@nwpu.edu.cn

Nano-Micro Letters, Vol. 18 (2026), Article Number: 344

Abstract

The development of intelligent electromagnetic skins demands scalable films integrating gigahertz (GHz)-terahertz (THz) wave absorption, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, and programmable actuation. Here, we report a bioinspired bamboo-like layered-gradient system fabricated via scalable vacuum filtration, in which two types of films are constructed with distinct functionalities: a low-poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) content film for microwave absorption and a high PEDOT content film for conductive network-enabled EMI shielding.The films precisely assemble Al-Fe3O4 nanosheets, aramid nanofibers, and PEDOT into an asymmetric architecture. A monotonic through-thickness gradient in composition creates a tailored impedance profile and strong anisotropy while minimizing conductive filler content. This design achieves effective microwave absorption at low PEDOT loading (minimum reflection loss: − 56.6 dB at 2.2 mm in the X-band). With increased PEDOT content, a percolative network is constructed, enabling Joule heating (233 °C at 20 V) and efficient EMI shielding (42.0 dB in the GHz band and 57.8 dB in the THz band). Beyond electromagnetic performance, the gradient architecture enables programmable, ethanol-triggered anisotropic actuation via differential swelling. The films also exhibit excellent thermal stability, mechanical robustness, and flexibility, ensuring reliability in harsh environments. Collectively, this gradient architecture provides a scalable platform for intelligent electromagnetic skins integrate magnetic-dielectric coupling, conductive network tuning, and stimuli-responsive actuation.


Highlights:
1 A bamboo-inspired Al-Fe3O4/aramid nanofibers/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) nanocomposite film with a through-thickness gradient architecture was constructed via scalable vacuum-assisted filtration.
2 Gradient-regulated magnetic-dielectric coupling and percolative conductive networks enabled strong impedance matching and efficient electromagnetic attenuation across the gigahertz (GHz)-terahertz (THz) bands.
3 An outstanding reflection loss (− 56.6 dB at 2.2 mm), broadband absorption (3.5 GHz), high electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (42.0 dB in GHz and 57.8 dB in THz), and reduced radar cross section were achieved.

Keywords

Electromagnetic interference shielding Electromagnetic wave absorption Gradient architecture Terahertz Intelligent actuation
Liu, Xianyuan, Yang Zhao, Yali Zhang, Xuechun Cui, Ying Xue, Xianyong Lu, and Junwei Gu. 2026. “Bioinspired Layered-Gradient Nanocomposites for Intelligent Electromagnetic Skins With GHz-THz Wave Absorption, Shielding, and Solvent-Driven Actuation”. Nano-Micro Letters 18 (April):344. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40820-026-02202-y.
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