Chemical Research in Chinese Universities ›› 2026, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (5): 1366-1393.doi: 10.1007/s40242-026-6180-8

• Review Articles • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Nanopores and Nanochannels: From Confined Transport Mechanisms to Functional Applications

WU Chengda1,2, JI Chao3, GAO Yingying3, CHEN Liuping3, REN Ziqi1,2, ZHANG Zhen1,2   

  1. 1. School of Chemistry and Materials Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, P. R. China;
    2. State Key Laboratory of Bioinspired Interfacial Materials Science, Suzhou Institute for Advanced Research, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China;
    3. China National Salt Industry Group·Salt Cavern Comprehensive Utilization Co., Ltd., Changzhou 213000, P. R. China
  • Received:2026-07-14 Accepted:2026-08-24 Online:2026-10-01 Published:2026-09-24
  • Supported by:
    This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 52573309), the Fund of the Leading Talents of Innovation and Entrepreneurship of Gusu District, China (No. ZXL2023341), the Fund of the Suzhou Key Laboratory of Bioinspired Interfacial Science, China (No. SZ2024004), and the Fund of the China National Salt Industry Group Co., Ltd. (No. C26001114001WFJZ).

Abstract: This review systematically summarizes recent advances in bioinspired nanopores and nanochannels for confined fluidics with emphasis on transport mechanisms, functionalization strategies and design principles for next-generation smart nanofluidic devices. Unlike macroscopic bulk fluidics, nanoscale transport leverages extreme spatial confinement to transcend classical continuum mechanics, exhibiting mass transfer and permselective properties analogous to natural biological ion channels. Focusing on fundamental physical mechanisms governing ion and molecule confinement, we elucidate anomalous transport phenomena that deviate from classical predictions. Specifically, we examine transport models modulated by the multiphysics coupling of geometric asymmetry, surface charge, electrical double layer overlap, interfacial wettability, and single-molecule recognition. Addressing the functional prerequisites of advanced devices, we categorize dynamic regulation strategies driven by structural asymmetry engineering and stimuli-responsive surface modifications. Furthermore, we evaluate critical applications of these confined systems in selective separation, smart gating, single-molecule detection, and high-performance energy conversion. Finally, we outline the persistent challenges impeding the scalability and practical implementation of artificial bioinspired nanofluidic systems, offering a forward-looking perspective on future developmental trajectories.

Key words: Nanopore, Nanochannel, Confined transport, Bioinspired nanofluidics, Smart gating, Osmotic energy conversion