Wireless power transfer—the transmission of electromagnetic energy without physical connectors such as wires or waveguides—typically exploits electromagnetic field control methods that were first proposed decades ago and requires some essential parameters (such as efficiency) to be sacrificed in favour of others (such as stability). In recent years, novel approaches to electromagnetic field manipulation have been developed that can be used to create advanced forms of wireless power transfer. Here we review the development of novel physical effects and materials for wireless power transfer. We explore techniques based on coherent perfect absorption, parity–time symmetry and exceptional points, and on-site power generation. We also explore the use of metamaterials and metasurfaces in wireless power transfer, and the use of acoustic power transfer. Finally, we highlight potential routes for the further development of wireless power transfer technology.

无线电力传输——无需物理连接器（如电线或波导）的电磁能量传输——通常利用几十年前首次提出的电磁场控制方法，需要牺牲一些基本参数（例如效率）以支持其他参数（例如稳定）。近年来，已经开发出新的电磁场操纵方法，可用于创建高级形式的无线电力传输。在这里，我们回顾了用于无线电力传输的新型物理效应和材料的发展。我们探索基于相干完美吸收、奇偶时间对称性和特殊点以及现场发电的技术。我们还探索了超材料和超表面在无线电力传输中的使用，以及声能传输的使用。