J. Mater. Sci. Technol. ›› 2026, Vol. 269: 33-45.DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2026.01.014

• Research Article • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Strain-triggered performance regulation in V3O7·H2O/VO2(A) nanobelt aerogels for intelligent EM protection, Radar-IR stealth, thermal management, and sensing applications

Siyu Xiea,1, Zhiqi Shenb,1, Baoxin Fana, Kang Fua, Ziyi Wua, Sirun Yua, Junhao Diaoa, Qian Lina, Guoxiu Tonga,*, Liyan Xiea   

  1. aCollege of Chemistry and Material Sciences, Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China;
    bAdvanced Research Institute, Jinhua Institute of Technology, Jinhua 321013, China
  • Received:2025-11-28 Revised:2025-12-30 Accepted:2026-01-12 Published:2026-10-20 Online:2026-01-16
  • Contact: *E-mail address: tonggx@zjnu.cn (G. Tong)
  • About author:1These authors contributed equally to this work.

Abstract: With the wide application of miniaturized and highly integrated electronic devices, existing single-function absorbers struggle to fulfill the requirements for intelligent EM protection and Radar-IR stealth. Therefore, it is imperative to develop an intelligent multifunctional absorber. Here, we developed the aerogels of V3O7·H2O/VO2(A) nanobelts (NBs) using a hydrothermal-freeze-drying route. A layered porous structure was constructed in the V3O7·H2O/VO2(A) NB aerogels, and their porosity and performance regulation can be triggered by the strain. On the basis of a strain response, the “on-off“ mode could be switched between EMW absorption and shielding. The aerogels exhibited strong (-45.62 dB) and wide bandwidth (8.08 GHz) absorption at 0 % strain, and the optimal EMI SE (99 % shielding) over the frequency range of 2-18 GHz at 95 % strain. These aerogels also displayed large RCS reduction (~38.65 dB m2) and low thermal conductivity (0.0255 W m-1 K-1), rendering them promising as an advanced Radar-IR stealth material. Besides, they exhibited dynamic tunable sensitivity, electrical conductivity, and electrothermal performance owing to the layered structure with metal-phase/semiconductor heterointerface, rich defects, and tunable porosity. Overall, the multifunctional V3O7·H2O/VO2(A) NB aerogels demonstrate significant potential for application in intelligent EM protection, Radar-IR stealth, and wearable strain sensing, particularly under extreme environmental conditions.

Key words: Aerogels of V3O7·H2O/VO2(A) nanobelts, Intelligent EM protection, Radar-IR stealth, Strain sensor, Heat management