The Power of Tiny Spaces

Andrieu-Brunsen A, Azzaroni O, Binyaminov H, Danil de Namor A, Fyta M, García-Martínez J, Guldin S, Howorka S, Lamotte S, Lemay SG, Lotsch BV, Magdassi S, Nakanishi K, Plueg C, Polarz S, Pozzo L, Rafti M, Rehahn M, Roth AG, Sanchez C, Scherlis DA, Soler-Illia GJ, Szleifer I, Tschulik K, Thommes M, Toimil-Molares E (2026)

Publication Type: Journal article, Review article

Publication year: 2026

Journal

Book Volume: 6

Pages Range: 4353-4366

Journal Issue: 8

DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.6c00663

Abstract

Confined spaces at the nanoscale ─ pores, channels, and cavities that alter molecular affinities and restrict molecular motion, orientation and local distribution ─ are emerging as a powerful design principle for next-generation materials. By tailoring the structure and functionality of these confined spaces, it is possible to control reactivity, transport, and material properties in ways that are unattainable in bulk systems. This Perspective highlights nanoconfinement as a unifying principle for programming function and addressing major societal challenges in energy, water, health and sustainability. Drawing inspiration from nature’s remarkable precision in bio-molecular control, we showcase six representative areas in which confined spaces are transforming technology: chromatography, catalysis, nanofluidics, bioinspired pore design, confinement-programmed material states, and data-driven material development. Together, these examples illustrate the power of nanoconfinement as an enabling unifying concept. By integrating orthogonal functionalization strategies, advanced characterization, modeling, and digitalization, programmable nanoconfinement will become a versatile framework for engineering materials and processes that meet the demands of a sustainable and technologically advanced society.

Authors with CRIS profile

Involved external institutions

Technische Universität Darmstadt Germany (DE) National University of La Plata / Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP) Argentina (AR) Max-Planck-Institut für Kolloid- und Grenzflächenforschung / Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces Germany (DE) Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen Germany (DE) University of Alicante / Universidad de Alicante / Universitat d'Alacant Spain (ES) Technische Universität München (TUM) Germany (DE) University of Surrey United Kingdom (GB) Northwestern University United States (USA) (US) Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB) Germany (DE) University College London (UCL) United Kingdom (GB) BASF SE Germany (DE) Leiden University Netherlands (NL) Max-Planck-Institut für Festkörperforschung Germany (DE) Hebrew University of Jerusalem Israel (IL) Nagoya University / 名古屋大学 Japan (JP) SUSONITY Commercial GmbH Germany (DE) Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover Germany (DE) Nanostone Water, Inc United States (USA) (US) Université de Strasbourg (UDS) France (FR) Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA) / University of Buenos Aires Argentina (AR) National University of San Martín / Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM) Argentina (AR)

How to cite

APA:

Andrieu-Brunsen, A., Azzaroni, O., Binyaminov, H., Danil de Namor, A., Fyta, M., García-Martínez, J.,... Toimil-Molares, E. (2026). The Power of Tiny Spaces. JACS Au, 6(8), 4353-4366. https://doi.org/10.1021/jacsau.6c00663

MLA:

Andrieu-Brunsen, A., et al. "The Power of Tiny Spaces." JACS Au 6.8 (2026): 4353-4366.

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