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Matter in ångström-scale two-dimensional confinement
Mingzhan Wang1,2, Jian Jiang1,3,4, Changxiong Huang1
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
Nature Reviews. Chemistry
|March 12, 2026
Summary
Two-dimensional (2D) materials enable ångström-scale confinement, revealing unique matter behaviors and transport phenomena. This review explores fabrication, properties, and transport mechanisms in these advanced systems.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Matter's behavior drastically changes in confined spaces, especially at the ångström scale.
- Ångström-scale confinement approaches atomic and molecular dimensions.
- Advances in two-dimensional (2D) materials facilitate precise ångström-scale confinement systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review fabrication methods for ångström-scale 2D confinement systems.
- To explore novel structural transformations and physicochemical properties of matter under extreme confinement.
- To investigate unique molecular and ionic transport phenomena and their mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of ångström-scale confinement systems using layered 2D materials (van der Waals and non-van-der-Waals).
- Characterization of structural transformations and physicochemical properties of confined matter.
- Analysis of molecular and ionic transport phenomena and underlying mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Ångström-scale confinement leads to novel structural and behavioral changes in matter.
- Unique physicochemical properties emerge due to extreme spatial limitations.
- Distinct molecular and ionic transport phenomena are observed and elucidated.
Conclusions:
- Precise ångström-scale confinement using 2D materials opens new avenues in materials science.
- Understanding confined matter properties and transport is crucial for future technologies.
- Significant knowledge gaps and untapped potential exist in this emerging field.
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