From structure to function: innovative applications of biomass carbon materials in microwave absorption

The increasing demand for intelligent and lightweight electronic devices necessitates the development of advanced microwave absorption materials. Ultra-lightweight microwave absorbers represent a significant trend in future technological advancements. Biomass-derived carbon materials inherently possess lightweight characteristics, aligning well with the requirements for lightweight applications. However, their intrinsic microwave absorption performance is relatively weak, limiting their effectiveness in practical applications. Various strategies can be employed to significantly enhance the microwave absorption properties of biomass-derived carbon materials to address this limitation. This review systematically summarizes five key strategies for improving the microwave absorption capabilities of biomass-derived carbon materials: porous microstructure, incorporating nanoparticles, constructing core–shell structures, modifying carbonization conditions, and doping with nitrogen. Each strategy's unique advantages and potential synergies are explored in depth. Finally, the review discusses future perspectives and challenges in the field, aiming to provide researchers with innovative approaches for fabricating ultra-lightweight, high-performance microwave absorbers, thereby advancing the development of next-generation microwave absorption materials.