Page 178 - Read Online

Wang et al. Soft Sci. 2026, 6, 8 Page 21 of 28

CONCLUSION AND OUTLOOK
In summary, based on the comprehensive analysis and discussion, carbon-based microwave-absorbing
aerogels exhibit exceptional properties, including strong RL intensity, wide EAB, lightweight, and
multifunctionality. This outstanding performance is attributed to the rational design of dielectric-magnetic
coupling networks and hierarchical porous architectures, which enable superior impedance matching and
integration of multiple microwave dissipation mechanisms. As a result, carbon-based aerogels can meet
diverse application requirements, ranging from civilian electronics to military stealth technologies. Despite
significant progress, several challenges remain to be addressed in future research:

I) Imitating and constructing biomimetic structures
Adopting biomimetic approaches can help reveal the relationships between structural configurations and the
EM response of aerogel materials. Future research can draw inspiration from nature, including the
hierarchical pore structure of diatomite, the robust and interconnected network of spider webs, or the
photonic crystal structures of butterfly wings. By replicating such architectures and mimicking EM response
behaviors, bio-inspired aerogels could control the transmission paths of EM waves with different refraction
and scattering properties, while enabling effective conversion of EM energy via resonant absorption and
interference. This strategy holds promise for enhancing the overall microwave absorption performance of
carbon-based aerogels.

II) Performance controlling by artificial intelligence
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools can significantly improve the efficiency of MAM design.
Microwave absorption performance is strongly influenced by multiple parameters, including composition,
synthesis process, and microstructural features. Traditional trial-and-error methods are often inefficient and
imprecise, whereas AI-assisted machine learning models can construct comprehensive parameter databases
and uncover structure-property relationships. Microwave response behaviors can be accurately predicted
based on given aerogel parameters, supporting the inverse design of aerogel systems with targeted RL
intensity and absorption frequency bands.

III) Multifunctional integration and intelligent response
Integrating diverse functionalities into carbon-based microwave-absorbing aerogels - including thermal
management, hydrophobicity, corrosion resistance, and self-monitoring - is essential for practical
applications under extreme conditions, ensuring long-term stability and reliability. Moreover, developing
intelligent aerogels with active-responsive properties could allow reversible adjustment of EM parameters in
response to external EM fields, dynamically tuning the effective absorption frequency range. This adaptive
stealth functionality is critical for next-generation intelligent aerogel materials in advanced equipment.

IV) Large-scale production technology
The hard-template strategy offers advantages in cost-effectiveness and processing efficiency, making it
compatible with scale-up and batch production, and has achieved success in industrial applications. In
contrast, industrial adoption of soft-template strategies, such as freeze-drying, is limited by high equipment
costs, energy consumption, and low production efficiency. Template-free strategies, including 3D printing
and electrospinning, enable unprecedented spatial precision in controlling pore structures and geometry,
holding significant potential for scalable manufacturing. Therefore, developing eco-friendly, low-cost, and
scalable synthesis routes is essential to promote practical applications of carbon-based aerogels in both
military and civilian fields.

DECLARATIONS
Authors’ contributions
Conceptualization and manuscript design: Wang, K.
Literature search and data collection: Wang, K.; Liu, X.