A review of recent applications of porous metals and metal oxide in energy storage, sensing and catalysis

Nanoporous metals and nanoporous metal oxide-based materials are representative type of porous and nanosized structure materials. They have many excellent performances (e.g., unique pore structure, large clear surface area and high electrical conductivity) to be prodigiously promising potentials, for a variety of significant applications (e.g., energy storage, sensing and catalysis). Therefore, this review summarized the recent advances in the development of nanoporous metals/metal oxide-based materials, with special emphasis on superior electrochemical applications: supercapacitors, lithium ion batteries, sensing, electrocatalysis and photocatalysis. The significant and representative studies in each area are comprehensively reviewed and discussed as a reference for researchers working in related areas. We also outline the key challenges and future opportunities in this exciting field.