Abstract: Carbon foam，a new type of carbon materials，has drawn much attention across the world. The structures and properties of carbon foams vary greatly in terms of the raw materials used and the preparation methods adopted. In general，organic polymers，mesophase pitch，coal and coal-related materials can be used as the starting materials for the production of carbon foams. This paper reviews the structure，property and new progresses of carbon foams as well as their potential applications and prospect，where the spectacular features of making carbon foams from coal and coal-related precursors are highlighted.

摘要： 介绍了泡沫炭的基本性质及制备方法：泡沫炭是一种性能优异、用途广泛的新型炭材料；不同的制备原料和方法所得泡沫炭的结构和性能也有所不同。通常用于制备泡沫炭的原料包括有机聚合物、中间相沥青以及煤和煤系物。重点阐述了以煤和煤系物作为前体制备泡沫炭的相关工作，综述了泡沫炭的结构、性能及近年来国内外的研究进展，并对其潜在的应用和发展趋势做了初步总结。