Two-dimensional transition metal carbides and nitrides (MXene) have emerged as promising candidates for microwave absorption (MA) materials. However, they also have some drawbacks, such as poor impedance matching, high self-stacking tendency, and high density. To tackle these challenges, MXene nanosheets were incorporated into polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers and subsequently assembled into a three-dimensional (3D) network structure through PAN carbonization, yielding MXene/C aerogels. The 3D network effectively extends the path of microcurrent transmission, leading to enhanced conductive loss of electromagnetic (EM) waves. Moreover, the aerogel’s rich pore structure significantly improves the impedance matching while effectively reducing the density of the MXene-based absorbers. EM parameter analysis shows that the MXene/C aerogels exhibit a minimum reflection loss (RL_min) value of − 53.02 dB (f = 4.44 GHz, t = 3.8 mm), and an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 5.3 GHz (t = 2.4 mm, 7.44–12.72 GHz). Radar cross-sectional (RCS) simulations were employed to assess the radar stealth effect of the aerogels, revealing that the maximum RCS reduction value of the perfect electric conductor covered by the MXene/C aerogel reaches 12.02 dB m². In addition to the MA performance, the MXene/C aerogel also demonstrates good thermal insulation performance, and a 5-mm-thick aerogel can generate a temperature gradient of over 30 °C at 82 °C. This study provides a feasible design approach for creating lightweight, efficient, and multifunctional MXene-based MA materials.

MAX phases (Ti₃SiC₂, Ti₃AlC₂, V₂AlC, Ti₄AlN₃, etc.) are layered ternary carbides/nitrides, which are generally processed and researched as structure ceramics. Selectively removing A layer from MAX phases, MXenes (Ti₃C₂, V₂C, Mo₂C, etc.) with two-dimensional (2D) structure can be prepared. The MXenes are electrically conductive and hydrophilic, which are promising as functional materials in many areas. This article reviews the milestones and the latest progress in the research of MAX phases and MXenes, from the perspective of ceramic science. Especially, this article focuses on the conversion from MAX phases to MXenes. First, we summarize the microstructure, preparation, properties, and applications of MAX phases. Among the various properties, the crack healing properties of MAX phase are highlighted. Thereafter, the critical issues on MXene research, including the preparation process, microstructure, MXene composites, and application of MXenes, are reviewed. Among the various applications, this review focuses on two selected applications: energy storage and electromagnetic interference shielding. Moreover, new research directions and future trends on MAX phases and MXenes are also discussed.

To meet the demands of maritime defense and transportation, next‐generation microwave absorption (MA) materials must combine efficient attenuation and corrosion resistance (CR). SiC nanofibers, with their moderate dielectric constant and chemical inertness, are ideal multifunctional coating fillers. However, their single‐component nature limits microwave attenuation, resulting in low efficiency and narrow bandwidth. Incorporating corrosion‐resistant components and employing heterointerface engineering offers a promising strategy to enhance polarization loss and synergistically improve CR. In this study, SiC nanofibers synthesized via chemical vapor deposition are used as precursors; SiO ₂ interlayers and nitrogen‐doped carbon shells are sequentially introduced to form multilayered core–shell nanofibers. Abundant heterointerfaces and defects effectively regulate impedance matching and introduce multiple loss mechanisms, including conduction, interfacial, and defect‐induced dipole polarization. The prepared SiC@SiO ₂ @C (SSC) nanofibers achieve a minimum reflection loss of −52.40 dB, a maximum effective absorption bandwidth of 7.68 GHz, and a maximum radar cross‐section reduction of 38.42 dB m ² , demonstrating excellent MA properties. Moreover, SSC/polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) composite coatings exhibit superior CR performance, with significantly enhanced corrosion potential and reduced current density compared to pure metal and PVDF coatings. This study underscores the synergistic effect of heterointerface engineering in enhancing both MA and CR for harsh environments.