Citation: Xiaochuang Di, Mushan Yuan, Junyu Lu, Shenquan Yang, Cuiqing Zhou, Yang Chen, Huawei Zou. Navigating the continuous parameter space for ultra-broadband microwave absorption: a sequence-aware deep learning and evolutionary optimization approach[J]. Acta Physico-Chimica Sinica, ;2026, 42(9): 100270. doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2026.100270 shu

Navigating the continuous parameter space for ultra-broadband microwave absorption: a sequence-aware deep learning and evolutionary optimization approach

The State Key Lab of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institution, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, Sichuan Province, China

Corresponding author: Yang Chen, cy3262276@163.com Huawei Zou, hwzou@163.com
Received Date: 13 January 2026
Revised Date: 12 February 2026
Accepted Date: 27 February 2026

The rapid proliferation of electromagnetic (EM) pollution necessitates the urgent development of high-performance microwave absorption (MA) materials with ultra-broadband capabilities. However, conventional trial-and-error design paradigms are constrained by the path-dependent nature of the fabrication process, where the specific impregnation history strictly governs the final gradient distribution and impedance matching. To address this, this study proposes a sequence-aware inverse design framework that integrates a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural network with a Genetic Algorithm (GA). Leveraging a process-property database derived from multi-step impregnated polyurethane/carbon nanotube (PU/CNT) foams, a high-fidelity LSTM surrogate model is developed to decode the complex temporal dependencies within the impregnation history and accurately predict frequency-dependent complex permittivity. Subsequently, the GA utilizes this predictive model to navigate the design space, identifying an optimal impregnation pathway that yields a precise three-layer gradient configuration. The resulting optimized foam, characterized by a rational stepwise increase in dielectric loss, achieves an exceptional average reflection loss (RL) of −24.2 dB and an ultra-wide effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) covering the full 2–18 GHz range. This work demonstrates the efficacy of history-based data-driven strategies in accelerating material discovery, offering a scalable paradigm for the intelligent design of advanced functional composites.
- Microwave absorption,
- Inverse design,
- Long short-term memory (LSTM) networks,
- Genetic algorithm,
- Gradient structures
1. [1]
  H. Yan, S. Xuan, X. Fan, Y. Shan, X. Xu, X. Yao, Compos. Sci. Technol. 248 (2024) 110471, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compscitech.2024.110471. doi: 10.1016/j.compscitech.2024.110471
2. [2]
  Z. Liu, R. Zhang, S. Wang, W. Zhao, G. Yu, L. Wu, Compos. Sci. Technol. 240 (2023) 110094, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compscitech.2023.110094. doi: 10.1016/j.compscitech.2023.110094
3. [3]
  X. Du, F. Yan, M. Cheng, H. Li, C. Peng, Y. Liu, D. Liu, D. Lan, G. Wu, Z. Jia, Int. J. Miner. Metall. Mater. (2025), https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-025-3317-1. doi: 10.1007/s12613-025-3317-1
4. [4]
  Z. Zhao, Y. Qing, L. Kong, H. Xu, X. Fan, J. Yun, et al., Adv. Mater. 36 (4) (2024) e2304182, https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202304182. doi: 10.1002/adma.202304182
5. [5]
  G. Qin, Y. Liu, Y. Yan, Z. Cheng, G. Ma, K. Zhang, X. Huang, Compos. Part B Eng. 298 (2025) 112397, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2025.112397. doi: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2025.112397
6. [6]
  X. Wang, Y. Yuan, L. Wang, X. Sun, T. Zhang, C. Liu, Y. Li, J. Adv. Ceram. 14 (2025) 112298, https://doi.org/10.26599/JAC.2025.9221172. doi: 10.26599/JAC.2025.9221172
7. [7]
  T. Zhang, J. Qiu, S. Wang, Y. Juan, J. Li, W. Wang, Adv. Funct. Mater. 35 (2025) 2414601, https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202521010. doi: 10.1002/adfm.202521010
8. [8]
  G. Qin, Y. Liu, Y. Yan, G. Ma, B. Gao, Z. Cheng, T. Chen, Adv. Funct. Mater. 35 (2025) e19796, https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202519796. doi: 10.1002/adfm.202519796
9. [9]
  K. Zhang, Y. Liu, X. Li, X. Wang, J. Liu, X. Liu, Adv. Mater. 37 (35) (2025) 2506386, https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202506386. doi: 10.1002/adma.202506386
10. [10]
  R. Guo, S. Li, J. Li, L. Wang, W. Jiang, Adv. Colloid Interface Sci. 344 (2025) 103612, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cis.2025.103612. doi: 10.1016/j.cis.2025.103612
11. [11]
  Q. Jiang, Y. Qiao, C. Xiang, A. Uddin, L. Wu, F. Qin, Adv. Compos. Hybrid Mater. 5 (4) (2022) 3190, https://doi.org/10.1007/s42114-021-00394-y. doi: 10.1007/s42114-021-00394-y
12. [12]
  Y. Liu, J. Zhou, C. Li, H. Zhang, Y. Wang, Y. Yan, et al., Nat. Commun. 16 (1) (2025) 202, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-55776-9. doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-55776-9
13. [13]
  C. Li, L. Liang, B. Zhang, Y. Yang, G. Ji, Nano-Micro Lett. 17 (1) (2024) 40, https://doi.org/10.1007/s40820-024-01549-4. doi: 10.1007/s40820-024-01549-4
14. [14]
  Z. Liu, B. Wang, S. Wei, W. Huang, Y. Wang, Y. Liang, L. Guo, X. Wang, R. Shi, W. Fu, et al., Nano Mater. Sci. (2025), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nanoms.2025.09.001. doi: 10.1016/j.nanoms.2025.09.001
15. [15]
  Y. Ai, R. Xing, N. Ren, R. Huang, M. Cui, R. Su, J. Kong, Matter 8 (9) (2025) 102289, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matt.2025.102289. doi: 10.1016/j.matt.2025.102289
16. [16]
  J. Zhou, X. Huang, D. Lan, Z. Jia, G. Wu, Carbon 248 (2026) 121143, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbon.2025.121143. doi: 10.1016/j.carbon.2025.121143
17. [17]
  M. Zhang, T. Shang, Y. Wang, Y. Song, Chem. Eng. J. 523 (2025) 168856, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2025.168856. doi: 10.1016/j.cej.2025.168856
18. [18]
  X. Luo, H. Xie, Y. Ma, D. Lan, G. Wu, Z. Jia, Int. J. Miner. Metall. Mater. (2025), https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-025-3252-1. doi: 10.1007/s12613-025-3252-1
19. [19]
  H. Wu, X. Ren, W. Hu, Y. Tang, H. Yin, H. Fan, H. Yuan, C. Wang, Y. Xin, Carbon 233 (2025) 119883, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbon.2024.119883. doi: 10.1016/j.carbon.2024.119883
20. [20]
  X. Zuo, C. Zhou, T. Yuan, N. Wen, C. Sun, H. Zhang, Y. Zhang, J. Tian, C. Li, Z. Fan, et al., Chem. Eng. J. 494 (2024) 152866, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2024.152866. doi: 10.1016/j.cej.2024.152866
21. [21]
  M. Han, Z. Jia, D. Lan, Z. Gao, G. Wu, Chin. J. Chem. (2026), https://doi.org/10.1002/cjoc.70494. doi: 10.1002/cjoc.70494
22. [22]
  Y. Huang, Q. Fan, J. Chen, L. Li, M. Chen, L. Tang, D. Fang, Compos. Sci. Technol. 191 (2020) 108066, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compscitech.2020.108066. doi: 10.1016/j.compscitech.2020.108066
23. [23]
  X. Ma, Y. Duan, L. Huang, H. Lei, X. Yang, Compos. Part B Eng. 233 (2022) 109659, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2022.109659. doi: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2022.109659
24. [24]
  X. Li, J. Liu, Z. Jia, D. Lan, D. Ai, Z. Gao, F. Bai, G. Wu, J. Mater. Sci. Technol. 268 (2026) 41, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmst.2025.12.046. doi: 10.1016/j.jmst.2025.12.046
25. [25]
  R. Fan, D. Li, W. Liao, T. Liu, X. Li, T. Tang, et al., Compos. Part B Eng. 287 (2024) 111880, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2024.111880. doi: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2024.111880
26. [26]
  L. Liang, Y. Lin, Y. Huang, M. Chen, Compos. Part A Appl. Sci. Manuf. 160 (2022) 107069, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2022.107069. doi: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2022.107069
27. [27]
  Y. Lin, X. Yang, Y. Huang, M. Chen, Compos. Struct. 272 (2021) 114235, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruct.2021.114235. doi: 10.1016/j.compstruct.2021.114235
28. [28]
  Y. Huang, X. Yuan, Y. Yuan, J. Liu, X. Fan, L. Zhao, Z. Cheng, X. Li, G. Wu, Carbon 144 (2019) 449, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbon.2018.11.052. doi: 10.1016/j.carbon.2018.11.052
29. [29]
  Y. Huang, D. Wu, M. Chen, K. Zhang, D. Fang, Carbon 177 (2021) 79, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbon.2021.02.066. doi: 10.1016/j.carbon.2021.02.066
30. [30]
  X. Ren, Z. Jia, Z. Gao, S. Zhang, Y. Zhang, D. Lan, G. Wu, Adv. Funct. Mater. 36 (2026) e24264, https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202524264. doi: 10.1002/adfm.202524264
31. [31]
  Q. An, D. Li, W. Liao, T. Liu, D. Joralmon, X. Li, J. Zhao, Adv. Mater. 35 (2023) e2300659, https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202300659. doi: 10.1002/adma.202300659
32. [32]
  W. Jiang, S. Xu, C. Lv, D. Lan, S. Zhang, Z. Gao, Z. Jia, G. Wu, Carbon 245 (2025) 120784, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbon.2025.120784. doi: 10.1016/j.carbon.2025.120784
33. [33]
  D. Li, X. Zheng, H. Gu, X. Xuan, B. Liu, H. Feng, M. Chen, Nano Mater. Sci. 6 (4) (2024) 456, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nanoms.2023.09.005. doi: 10.1016/j.nanoms.2023.09.005
34. [34]
  M. Shi, Z. Jia, D. Lan, Z. Gao, S. Zhang, G. Wu, Adv. Funct. Mater. 36 (2026) e28665, https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202528665. doi: 10.1002/adfm.202528665
35. [35]
  J. Yang, Y. Guo, X. Li, Y. Qiu, X. Wang, J. Zhou, B. Li, L. Zhang, Y. Bian, X. Xiao, et al., Adv. Mater. 38 (6) (2026) e17422, https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202517422. doi: 10.1002/adma.202517422
36. [36]
  J. Liang, F. Ye, Q. Song, Y. Cao, C. Xiao, Y. Qin, Y. Lin, B. Huang, X. Wang, C. Li, Compos. Part B Eng. 297 (2025) 112298, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2025.112298. doi: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2025.112298
37. [37]
  M. Feng, K. Zhang, J. Xiao, B. Liu, H. Cheng, Y. Li, Z. Zhao, B. Liang, Compos. Part B Eng. 263 (2023) 110862, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2023.110862. doi: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2023.110862
38. [38]
  Y. Huang, D. Wu, K. Zhang, H. Yang, W. Dong, M. Chen, D. Fang, Compos. Sci. Technol. 213 (2021) 108898, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compscitech.2021.108898. doi: 10.1016/j.compscitech.2021.108898
39. [39]
  C. Wang, Z. Lv, M. P. Mohan, Z. Cui, Z. Liu, Y. Jiang, J. Li, C. Wang, S. Pan, M. F. Karim, et al., Adv. Mater. 33 (41) (2021) e2102131, https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202102131. doi: 10.1002/adma.202102131
40. [40]
  L. Liang, X. Yang, C. Li, R. Yu, B. Zhang, Y. Yang, G. Ji, Adv. Mater. 36 (24) (2024) e2313939, https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202313939. doi: 10.1002/adma.202313939
41. [41]
  N. Yang, H. Gao, S. Ju, Z. Zhang, Y. Zhao, X. -W. Guo, S. Xing, J. Liu, J. Zhang, K. Duan, et al., Compos. Part B Eng. 307 (2025) 112882, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2025.112882. doi: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2025.112882
42. [42]
  R. Zhang, Y. Yuan, X. Wang, X. Sun, S. Wang, Z. Yang, Y. Ma, E. Zhang, Y. Li, Chem. Eng. J. 511 (2025) 161634, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2025.161634. doi: 10.1016/j.cej.2025.161634
43. [43]
  T. Zou, J. Shi, M. Wang, C. Lin, Adv. Funct. Mater. (2025) e12788, https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202512788. doi: 10.1002/adfm.202512788
44. [44]
  Y. Pan, K. Yu, D. Lan, Z. Zhang, Z. Chen, Carbon 245 (2025) 120824, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbon.2025.120824. doi: 10.1016/j.carbon.2025.120824
45. [45]
  S. Song, B. Zheng, L. Chen, H. Shu, D. Gao, D. Lan, T. Li, X. Liu, Y. Ma, J. Energy Storage 134 (2025) 118282, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.est.2025.118282. doi: 10.1016/j.est.2025.118282
46. [46]
  B. Zeng, F. Zhang, K. Zhao, M. Ahmad, J. Wu, L. Zhang, D. Lan, B. Zhang, J. Mater. Sci. Technol. 251 (2026) 193, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmst.2025.07.008. doi: 10.1016/j.jmst.2025.07.008
47. [47]
  B. Zhou, L. Tang, H. Cheng, M. Ahmad, J. Wu, L. Zhang, D. Lan, B. Zhang, Nano Res. 18 (9) (2025) 94907739, https://doi.org/10.26599/NR.2025.94907739. doi: 10.26599/NR.2025.94907739
48. [48]
  S. Xiong, L. Cai, Y. Zhang, Y. Ma, D. Lan, G. Chen, C. Dong, H. Guan, Rare Met. 44 (2025) 7720, https://doi.org/10.1007/s12598-025-03439-z. doi: 10.1007/s12598-025-03439-z
49. [49]
  X. Meng, J. Li, S. Zhang, D. Lan, M. Yu, T. Long, C. Wang, Adv. Fiber Mater. 7 (3) (2024) 736, https://doi.org/10.1007/s42765-024-00501-w. doi: 10.1007/s42765-024-00501-w
1. [1]
  Xiaodong Chen , Yumin Zhang . An Improved Simulated Annealing Algorithm for Predicting the Molecular Formulas of Organic Compounds. University Chemistry, 2025, 40(9): 19-24. doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202408095
2. [2]
  Yanan Liu , Xiaogang Su , Di Lan , Jiangyong Liu , Weihai Ma , Yaqing Liu . Bimetallic MOF-derived CoZn-C/MWCNTs composite for lightweight and wideband microwave absorption. Acta Physico-Chimica Sinica, 2026, 42(6): 100276-0. doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2026.100276
3. [3]
  Bo Liang , Yuyijian Zhao , Siyu Wang , Shihan Huang , Fangke Zhou , Chuankun Zhang , Yue Wang , Xiaoming Guo . Synergistic molecular assembly and impedance matching in polyimide-derived porous carbon nanosheets for advanced microwave absorption. Acta Physico-Chimica Sinica, 2026, 42(6): 100285-0. doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2026.100285
4. [4]
  Liangsen Zhu , Caiyun Cui , Tao Jing , Shihao Tan , Xianguo Liu , Menglin Yu . Strong and broadband microwave absorption under thin thickness induced by multiple dielectric relaxation and multiple magnetic resonances through the dual nanocrystalline phases in amorphous FeSiBCr flakes. Acta Physico-Chimica Sinica, 2026, 42(9): 100331-0. doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2026.100331
5. [5]
  Gengsu Zhu , Yuanyuan Ma , Chengzhi Sun , Mengting Li , Chunyu Wang , Bo Zhong , Long Xia . Preparation and absorption properties of petal-clustered WS₂/MnFe₂/O₄/GNs composite materials. Acta Physico-Chimica Sinica, 2026, 42(9): 100273-0. doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2026.100273
6. [6]
  Shuai Zhang , Haifeng Li , Shijie Zhang , Shun Wang , Suxuan Du , Zhiwei Zhao , Xiaomiao Zhao , Xiaowei Liang . Microwave assisted construction of Ta₂CT_x MXene/CuInS₂ heterostructures toward enhanced dielectric loss and broadband electromagnetic wave absorption. Acta Physico-Chimica Sinica, 2026, 42(8): 100305-0. doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2026.100305
7. [7]
  Renwei Feng , Congmin Fan , Di Lan , Lanxiang Liu , Qinchuan He , Yiqun Wang . Anchoring strategy-induced conductive loss in Ni-MOF@expanded graphite composites to achieve broadband microwave absorption. Acta Physico-Chimica Sinica, 2026, 42(8): 100301-0. doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2026.100301
8. [8]
  Shihao Tan , Caiyun Cui , Shuwei Ma , Liangsen Zhu , Xianguo Liu . Introducing nanocrystalline/amorphous heterostructures on laminated FeSiBCr to synchronously enhance absorption, expand absorption bandwidth and reduce matching thickness. Acta Physico-Chimica Sinica, 2026, 42(7): 100283-0. doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2026.100283
9. [9]
  Min LI , Xianfeng MENG . Preparation and microwave absorption properties of ZIF-67 derived Co@C/MoS₂ nanocomposites. Chinese Journal of Inorganic Chemistry, 2024, 40(10): 1932-1942. doi: 10.11862/CJIC.20240065
10. [10]
  Qiang Wang , Jifan Yang , Xiaolei Su , Yi Liu . La₂O₃ decorated Ti₃C₂T_x MXene: temperature regulation and frequency selective surface synergy for enhanced X-Band microwave absorption. Acta Physico-Chimica Sinica, 2026, 42(8): 100308-0. doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2026.100308
11. [11]
  Yuan Zheng , Quan Lan , Zhenggen Zha , Lingling Li , Jun Jiang , Pingping Zhu . Teaching Reform of Organic Synthesis Experiments by Introducing Reverse Thinking and Design Concepts: Taking the Synthesis of Cinnamic Acid Based on Retrosynthetic Analysis as an Example. University Chemistry, 2024, 39(6): 207-213. doi: 10.3866/PKU.DXHX202310065
12. [12]
  Yifei Li , Xuexin Chen , Sihan Liu , Shiyi Chen , Ling Pan . Design and Application of Chemical Analysis Platform Based on Intelligent Integration of Big Data and Deep Learning Algorithm in Undergraduate Experimental Teaching. University Chemistry, 2026, 41(1): 169-178. doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202504098
13. [13]
  Shuangshuang Mao , Juhua Luo , Bingjie Han , Jiahuan Shi , Yujia Gu . Covalent organic framework-derived Fe₃C/NC/TiO₂ heterostructures for high-performance electromagnetic wave absorption. Acta Physico-Chimica Sinica, 2026, 42(7): 100290-. doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2026.100290
14. [14]
  Zhiqing Jia , Xinju Gong , Di Lan , Huanhuan Sun , Yu Liu , Yuping Gao , Siyao Guo . Electrostatically induced dual-coupled interfaces of defect polarization enhanced PBA/MXene heterostructures for boosting electromagnetic wave absorption. Acta Physico-Chimica Sinica, 2026, 42(8): 100312-0. doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2026.100312
15. [15]
  Bowen Yang , Rui Wang , Benjian Xin , Lili Liu , Zhiqiang Niu . C-SnO₂/MWCNTs Composite with Stable Conductive Network for Lithium-based Semi-Solid Flow Batteries. Acta Physico-Chimica Sinica, 2025, 41(2): 100015-0. doi: 10.3866/PKU.WHXB202310024
16. [16]
  Jinmei Zhou , Huamin Li , Yiru Wang , Wenwei Zhang , Xiuqiong Zeng , Juanjuan Song , Yongxian Fan , Dongcheng Liu , Yanping Ren , Faqiong Zhao , Mei Shi , Min Hu , Wan Li , Xiuyun Wang , Weihong Li , Xiaohang Qiu , Yong Fan , Jianrong Zhang , Shuyong Zhang . Suggestions on Operational Standards for Heating and Heating Instruments (Part IV): Microwave Heating and the Use of Microwave Ovens, Microwave Reactor and Microwave Digester. University Chemistry, 2026, 41(3): 172-181. doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202507043
17. [17]
  Xinlong WANG , Zhenguo CHENG , Guo WANG , Xiaokuen ZHANG , Yong XIANG , Xinquan WANG . Enhancement of the fragile interface of high voltage LiCoO₂ by surface gradient permeation of trace amounts of Mg/F. Chinese Journal of Inorganic Chemistry, 2024, 40(3): 571-580. doi: 10.11862/CJIC.20230259
18. [18]
  Borong Yu , Huijiao Zhang , Xinyu Zhang , Xiaoying Li , Shuming Chen , Zhangang Han . The Blue Elf in the Dark: Gradient Science Popularization Experiments on Chemiluminescence. University Chemistry, 2024, 39(9): 295-303. doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202403107
19. [19]
  Yufan Pan , Xue Ding , Jiayu Lin , Haiting Wu , Hairong Huang , Cuixue Chen , Meiling Ye . Oil Cosmetics, Charming Chemistry: A Gradient Science Popularization Scheme for Cream Cosmetic Preparation. University Chemistry, 2025, 40(4): 382-389. doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202406078
20. [20]
  Pingsheng He , Haiyang Yang , Pingping Zhu . Philosophical Reflections in Polymer Physics Course: Emphasizing Reverse Thinking. University Chemistry, 2025, 40(4): 27-32. doi: 10.3866/PKU.DXHX202403029

Get Citation

PDF

XML

Metrics

PDF Downloads(0)
Abstract views(4)
HTML views(1)

通讯作者: 陈斌, bchen63@163.com

1.
沈阳化工大学材料科学与工程学院沈阳 110142