A group of South Korean scientists has developed a new material to effectively block electromagnetic waves emitting from electronic gadgets and appliances, a state-run science laboratory said Friday.

The team led by Gu Jong-min of the Korea Institute of Science and Technology and a research team of Drexel University successfully manufactured the material made out of MXene.

Mxene is a class of two-dimensional inorganic compounds made out of titanium and carbon and a single layer is only about 1 nanometer.

The team discovered that Mxene can block the electromagnetic waves from mobile phones, televisions, microwave ovens and other appliances, officials said, noting that one of the strengths of the material is it is easy to process and the cost is relatively cheap.

"It is hoped that the developed material can be used not only to block electromagnetic waves but for other various purposes," said Gu.

The research was funded by the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning and the findings were published in Science, a monthly journal. (Yonhap)