Abstract:
Electromagnetic radiation and scattering control materials are the key functional materials required for advanced systems to tailor the electromagnetic signatures of targets, adapt to complex electromagnetic environments, and integrate advanced information functionalities. With the evolution of detection systems toward broadband, multistatic, and multispectral operation, together with the increasing demands of integrated communication and sensing, equipment protection, and service under extreme environments, conventional material systems relying on a single loss, reflection, or shielding mechanism can no longer meet emerging application requirements. In recent years, driven jointly by application needs and innovations in physical mechanisms, substantial progress has been achieved in electromagnetic radiation and scattering control materials, particularly in novel material systems, artificial structural design, environmentally stable service, and intelligent design methodologies. This review summarizes recent advances in electromagnetic radiation and scattering control materials and structures by considering both international research progress and related works from the National Engineering Research Center of Electromagnetic Radiation Control Materials. The discussion focuses on key challenges, including the expansion of electromagnetic response degrees of freedom, the preservation of functionality under extreme environments, low-frequency and ultra-broadband regulation, and intelligent design of complex structures. Particular emphasis is placed on the roles of topology, nonreciprocity, multifield coupling, interfacial protection, gradient structures, metasurfaces, and data-driven design in enhancing material performance and extending application boundaries. The remaining challenges in multispectral compatibility, long-term durability, low-frequency broadband operation, and integration with engineering components are further discussed, followed by an outlook on future development directions in this field.