Metal aerogels are a new class of porous solid materials that are inorganic cousins of silica aerogel. They have properties such as high specific surface area, electrical conductivity, enhanced catalytic activity, and the ability to act as a thermal insulator despite being electrically conductive. Metal aerogels are made through processes like combustion synthesis, dealloying, and nanosmelting. Potential applications include hydrogen storage, antimicrobial scaffolds, magnetic media, and X-ray optics.