Abstract: Rare earth (RE) takes an irreplaceable role in various fields, especially the high-tech electronics industry, which is usually comparable to the vitamin of industry. In the development of electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption materials, the participation of RE makes a significant contribution as well, and great progress has been made. Abundant researches have illuminated that the strategy of both doping RE elements and constructing RE oxide composites exhibited huge potential for the fabrication of high-efficiency EMW absorption materials. We believe a systematic summary will be highly desired for a comprehensive understanding and future development. In this review, we first summarized the research background, basic principles, and mechanisms of EMW absorption. Then, we classify the RE EMW absorption materials into RE-doped ferrites, RE-transition metal intermetallics, RE oxides, and other categories, view their current progress by typical studies, and expound their respective features, strengths, weaknesses, and absorption mechanisms. Finally, the current challenges and future outlook of RE EMW absorption materials are highlighted, in the hope of guidance for a sound future development.

Key words: Rare earth, Electromagnetic wave absorption, Composite, Rare earth oxide