3D Carbonaceous Foams Derived from High Internal Phase Emulsion for Energy Applications

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in interest regarding monolithic porous polymers known as poly(High Internal Phase Emulsion) – poly(HIPE) – which are synthesized from high internal phase emulsions. This is due to their exceptional capability to produce three‐dimensional structures with substantial porosity. Nevertheless, the exploitation of this family of materials in energy‐driven applications is still limited, mainly because of their lack of conductivity. The exploration of conducting materials with 3D polymeric frameworks remains a promising avenue for research. In this context, pyrolysed poly(HIPE) seems to be the simplest and most cost‐effective strategy to directly transform a 3D polymer into a 3D conductive carbon foam, that is, carboHIPE. Currently, CarboHIPE and its derivatives are becoming alternatives to commercially available activated carbon/graphite or expensive graphene and carbon nanotube‐based materials. Accordingly, gaining insight into the formation of these materials is crucial to accelerate their use in commercial energy devices. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of various synthesis pathways utilized to modify the characteristics of CarboHIPEs, as well as the recent developments in their application as active components in energy‐based systems.