Polymer Foams for Energy Applications: Storage, Harvesting, Dissipation, and Conversion

ABSTRACT The growing demand for sustainable and high‐efficiency energy solutions has accelerated the exploration of multifunctional materials with adaptable properties. Among these, polymer foams, particularly flexible polymer foams, have emerged as versatile platforms for various energy‐related applications due to their low density, tunable porosity, mechanical compliance, and chemical versatility. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advancements and emerging trends in the development and application of polymer foams across four critical domains: energy storage, energy harvesting, thermal energy management, and mechanical energy dissipation and conversion. In energy storage, polymer foams have enabled the creation of lightweight, conductive scaffolds for advanced batteries and supercapacitors, with innovations focusing on nanomaterial integration and self‐healing properties. In the field of energy harvesting, the integration of polymer foams into triboelectric and thermoelectric systems has enhanced ambient energy conversion through structural design optimization and the use of hybrid and shape‐memory composites. For thermal energy management, polymer foams serve as efficient thermal insulators and phase‐change material (PCM) carriers, with advances in bio‐based, flame‐retardant, and aerogel‐reinforced systems offering improved thermal regulation and sustainability. In mechanical energy applications, the development of impact‐resistant, vibration‐damping, and energy‐converting foams has supported innovations in protective gear, smart structures, and wearable devices. The review further highlights the evolution of polymer foams from passive insulators to smart, multifunctional materials that combine structural integrity with responsive behaviors such as sensing, actuation, and self‐repair. Moreover, current challenges are discussed alongside emerging strategies such as additive manufacturing, bioinspired design, and data‐driven material discovery.