Progress in the use of MoS2-based composites for microwave absorption

The emergence of the 5 G technology and universal smart electron devices urgently call for the exploration of highly efficient microwave absorption materials. MoS₂ is a potential dielectric microwave absorption material that offers the benefits of diverse morphologies/structures, adjustable bandgap, easy defects production, controllable electrical conductivity and high stability, but suffers from single dielectric loss capacity and impedance mismatching. Structural regulations and hybridization with foreign components have been extensively used to improve the microwave absorption performance of MoS₂. This review introduces the characteristics and microwave absorption mechanisms of MoS₂ nanomaterials for a comprehensive analysis, and systematically emphasizes the related key issues by summarizing progress of MoS₂-based microwave absorption materials. Three strategies are considered, namely (1) structural regulation of MoS₂ monocomponent via the control of morphology, heteroatom doping, defects and phases; (2) loss mechanism regulation of binary MoS₂-based composites via hybridization with other dielectric materials (e.g., carbon, MXene and polymer) or magnetic materials (e.g., ferrites and magnetic metals/alloys); (3) realization of multicomponent MoS₂-based composites with multidimensional hierarchical architectures using one-, two- and three-dimensional structures. Micro/nanostructure regulation, hybridization with foreign material and architectural design are discussed as the methods of controlling the loss mechanisms, impedance matching and microwave absorption performance of MoS₂-based composites. Finally, the ongoing challenges and future opportunities are prospected to surmount the current barriers and provide forward-looking guidance for the exploration of novel highly efficient MoS₂-based microwave absorption materials.