Strategies for Preparing Porous Copper Materials via Multiscale Construction: Structure–Function Relationships for Energy Storage and Catalysis

Porous copper is a functional material that combines the inherent properties of dense copper with the advantages afforded by a porous architecture. It is characterized by a high specific surface area, controlled porosity, and excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, all while retaining the characteristic ductility and chemical stability of its metallic counterpart, exhibiting remarkable performance in energy storage and heterogeneous catalysis. Diverse preparation methods enable the precise tailoring of critical features such as pore structure, mechanical properties, and electrical/thermal conductivity, thereby making them suitable for a wide range of applications. This article reviews and contrasts various preparation methods for porous copper, including dealloying, template‐assisted synthesis, powder metallurgy, and magnetron sputtering technology, highlighting their respective advantages and limitations. Furthermore, it explores both existing and emerging applications of porous copper in catalysis, energy conversion, analytical sensing, boiling heat transfer, and filtration and separation. From the perspective of pore, we have connected fabrication methods to application requirements by matching achievable pore sizes with application performance, revealing the structure–property–application relationships. Ultimately, this overview aims to provide theoretical guidance and directional insights for the development and industrial production of porous copper materials.