The Role of Metal Foams for Sustainability and Energy Transition

Abstract

The global pursuit of a sustainable and decarbonized energy landscape requires the development of novel materials capable of supporting lightweight construction, advanced energy conversion, storage, and thermal management technologies. Among these, metal foams have emerged as a versatile class of porous materials, offering a unique combination of low density, high surface area, three-dimensional (3D) interconnected porosity, and favorable thermal and electrical conductivities. These attributes make them highly suitable for a broad range of applications critical to the ongoing energy transition, assuming an increasingly central role in enabling clean, efficient, and resilient energy infrastructures. From this key perspective, the present review highlights the relevance of the adoption of metal foams in several fields crucial for the energy transition. By presenting methodologies and outcomes of research results, mainly from the last five years, the paper underscores the potential of low-weight, high-surface, and high-performance porous materials in contemporary and future industry, supporting sustainable development and, more generally, energy transition and circular economy. The approach also aims to minimize negative impacts and promote sustainability, for example, by recycling and transforming waste materials.