Aerosol delivery device with a unitary reservoir and liquid transport element comprising a porous monolith and related method

An aerosol delivery device, comprising:

• an outer body extending along an axis from a first end to a second end, the second end defining a mouthpiece;
• a heating element having a heating portion;
• a unitary reservoir and liquid transport element disposed within the outer body and comprising an integral porous monolith and storing an aerosol precursor composition, wherein the unitary reservoir and liquid transport element has the heating element engaged therewith, with the heating portion extending along the axis, and wherein the unitary reservoir and liquid transport element defines one or more channels extending at least partially therethrough and into communication with the heating element;
• and
• a first heating terminal and a second heating terminal each extending from the first end of the outer body toward the second end of the outer body, at least partially through the one or more channels defined by the unitary reservoir and liquid transport element and into electrical communication with the heating element such that the heating portion extends parallel to the first and second heating terminals, the first heating terminal and the second heating terminal being arranged to direct electrical current from the first end of the outer body to the heating element, the heating portion of the heating element producing heat in response to the electrical current to vaporize at least a portion of the aerosol precursor composition stored in the unitary reservoir and liquid transport element, the vaporized aerosol precursor composition being directed through the mouthpiece defined by the second end of the outer body.