Abstract: Electromagnetic wave absorbers (EMWAs) (i.e. microwave wave absorbers) are important materials for military equipment. Ideal EMWA should exhibit thin matching thickness, low density, broad bandwidth, and strong EM absorption. The recent advances of EMWA were reviewed in this study, and the shortcomings in current studies and approaches for further researches were suggested. Recent researches on EMWAs are mainly focused on the preparation of nanocomposites, doping or surface modification, and changing the micro-morphology and structures of EMWA. However, these studies concentrated on traditional EMWAs and applied researches, which lack of theoretical guidance and breakthrough innovations. Further investigations should pay more attention on the nanocomposites and nanocomposites with structure designing under the guideline of electromagnetic wave theory. Moreover, smart materials and structures and metamaterials are promising EMWAs with excellent properties.

Key words: electromagnetic wave absorber, ferrite, iron carbonyl, carbon nanotube, nanocomposites, metamaterials, review