Absorption–Reflection–Transmission Power Coefficient Guiding Gradient Distribution of Magnetic MXene in Layered Composites for Electromagnetic Wave Absorption

• The layered arrangement and gradient distribution of magnetic MXene are firstly combined to improve the electromagnetic wave (EMW) RLmin and broaden effective absorption bandwidth. • Absorption, reflection, and transmission (A–R–T) power coefficient analysis is firstly used to guide the gradient distribution, so as to realize EMW incidence at low-concentration surface, loss at middle concentration interlayer and reflection at high-concentration bottom. • The layered gradient composite (LG5-10-15) achieves complete absorption coverage of X-band at thickness of 2.00-2.20 mm with RLmin of -68.67 dB. • The work confirms the importance of layered gradient structure in improving absorption performance and broadens the design of high-performance microwave absorption materials.