Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• This review details the classification of bionic objects for bionic wave-absorbing materials, spanning marine organisms, insects, plants, and animals, each imparting unique influences and applications. • The multifunctional applications of bionic microwave absorption materials are systematically introduced, covering microwave absorption, anti-corrosion, mechanics, electronics, and wearable devices. • The theoretical basis and simulation calculations of bionic microwave absorption materials are discussed, including broadband absorption breakthroughs and bionic gradient design. • The review provides valuable insights and inspiration for researchers, fostering collective advancement in the field of bionic microwave absorption materials.
Abstract
Inspired by the remarkable electromagnetic response capabilities of the complex morphologies and subtle microstructures evolved by natural organisms, this paper delves into the research advancements and future application potential of bionic microwave-absorbing materials (BMAMs). It outlines the significance of achieving high-performance microwave-absorbing materials through ingenious microstructural design and judicious composition selection, while emphasizing the innovative strategies offered by bionic manufacturing. Furthermore, this work meticulously analyzes how inspiration can be drawn from the intricate structures of marine organisms, plants, animals, and non-metallic minerals in nature to devise and develop BMAMs with superior electromagnetic wave absorption properties. Additionally, the paper provides an in-depth exploration of the theoretical underpinnings of BMAMs, particularly the latest breakthroughs in broadband absorption. By incorporating advanced methodologies such as simulation modeling and bionic gradient design, we unravel the scientific principles governing the microwave absorption mechanisms of BMAMs, thereby furnishing a solid theoretical foundation for understanding and optimizing their performance. Ultimately, this review aims to offer valuable insights and inspiration to researchers in related fields, fostering the collective advancement of research on BMAMs.
1. Introduction
In recent years, with the continuous development of microwave heating, radar, and aerospace, people have paid more and more attention to microwave-absorbing materials (MAMs), and their development and application are increasingly extensive. In civil use, microwave is widely used in communication, radar detection and other fields [1, 2]. This not only provides convenience for human activities, but also leads to serious electromagnetic wave absorption (EMA) pollution and electromagnetic interference [3, 4]. In the military, microwave radar has been widely used in various countries and has become a ubiquitous anti-stealth technology, which has become an important issue related to national security [5, 6]. Therefore, researchers all over the world have devoted themselves to studying new MAMs, hoping to effectively absorb EWA to solve the above problems.
Bionics, a field that emulates biological principles in designing technical systems, aims to endow artificial systems with similar or even superior biological functions [7, 8]. Through advancements in microscopic technologies, it has been revealed that organisms, visually appearing “plain” yet possessing remarkable functionalities, possess intricate microstructures. These functionalities do not solely stem from atomic or molecular arrangements but rather from the sequential assembly of “functional primitives,” components several orders of magnitude larger than molecules and atoms [9–11]. As depicted in Fig. 1, the objects of bionic inspiration encompass diverse living organisms, ranging from animals and plants to human organs [12]. Bionics achieves its objectives through two primary aspects: structural bionics and functional bionics. Structural bionics involves replicating the macroscopic or microscopic architectures of organisms to serve unexpected purposes [13]. Meanwhile, functional bionics mimics the mechanical, optical, acoustic, electrical, and magnetic capabilities inherent in organisms. For instance, the micro-nanohierarchical “papillae” structures on lotus leaves, composed of waxy materials, enable super-hydrophobic and self-cleaning properties [14]. Additionally, the periodic arrangement of guanine particles on chameleons’ bodies forms natural photonic crystals, exhibiting a dynamic range of colors [15], illustrating the richness and complexity of functional biomimicry. Furthermore, it is worth noting that chemical composition also plays a pivotal role in bionics, as it often dictates the unique properties and functionalities of biological structures. By understanding and incorporating the chemical composition of natural materials, researchers can develop artificial systems with enhanced performance and novel functionalities [16].
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Dashuang Wang, Tuo Ping, Zhilan Du, Xiaoying Liu, Yuxin Zhang (2024). Lessons from Nature: Advances and Perspectives in Bionic Microwave Absorption Materials. Nano-Micro Letters. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40820-024-01591-2
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are bionic microwave absorption materials (BMAMs)?
BMAMs are materials designed by mimicking the microstructures and morphologies of natural organisms to achieve superior electromagnetic wave absorption properties. They leverage bionic principles to enhance performance through structural and functional mimicry.
What natural sources inspire the design of BMAMs?
BMAMs draw inspiration from marine organisms, plants, animals, and non-metallic minerals. For example, lotus leaves provide super-hydrophobic structures, and chameleons exhibit photonic crystals, which can be replicated for microwave absorption.
What are the key applications of BMAMs?
BMAMs have multifunctional applications including microwave absorption, anti-corrosion, mechanical reinforcement, electronics, and wearable devices. They are crucial for addressing electromagnetic pollution and stealth technology.
How do simulation and theoretical modeling contribute to BMAM development?
Simulation modeling and bionic gradient design help unravel the scientific principles governing microwave absorption mechanisms. They provide a theoretical foundation for optimizing performance and achieving broadband absorption.
What is the significance of bionic manufacturing in BMAMs?
Bionic manufacturing offers innovative strategies for creating high-performance microwave-absorbing materials through ingenious microstructural design and judicious composition selection, enabling superior electromagnetic wave absorption.
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