Graphene-derived microwave metamaterials and meta-devices: Emerging applications and properties

Abstract

Graphene, a two-dimensional material renowned for its distinctive electronic band structure and remarkable physical properties, has garnered substantial attention in recent years. Its integration into metamaterials (i.e., artificially structured materials) and metamaterial-based devices opens up exciting possibilities for manipulating electromagnetic waves with various functionalities. These metamaterials and meta-devices, with their strong resonances, enhance interactions with incident waves, further aided by electrically tunable graphene, enabling fruitful modulation of electromagnetic waves. In this review, we present a detailed exploration of the recent advancements in graphene-based microwave meta-devices. We first introduce the electromagnetic properties of graphene, laying the foundation for its electromagnetic modeling and characterization. The second part introduces the fabrication and transfer methods of graphene. Next, we review the passive meta-devices constructed with graphene, exploring how these devices leverage graphene's unique properties. We further discuss graphene-based active meta-devices for dynamic wave manipulations, with a focus on graphene–electrolyte–graphene sandwich structures. Lastly, the review delves into graphene-based coding and programmable meta-devices, highlighting their innovative applications. Each section provides a focused exploration of a specific aspect of the field, showcasing the diverse and expanding role of graphene in the microwave region. Through this comprehensive review, we aim to enrich our understanding and appreciation for the growing developments and potential of graphene in microwave technology.