Van der Waals Nanoscrolls: Strain-Engineered Topological Structures and Emerging Functionalities

Van der Waals (vdW) nanoscrolls are quasi-one-dimensional (quasi-1D) architectures formed through the strain-mediated scrolling of two-dimensional layered materials into open helical geometries. Recent advances have established vdW nanoscrolls as promising platforms for energy storage and ion transport, catalysis, optoelectronics, sensing, and quantum devices. In this perspective, we discuss vdW nanoscrolls from the viewpoint of strain-engineered topological reconstruction. We first summarize the fundamental formation mechanisms of quasi-1D vdW nanoscrolls, including solvent- and interfacial-energy-mediated scrolling, electrochemical-exfoliation-induced spontaneous scrolling, strain-gradient-driven self-scrolling, and external-field-assisted assembly. Particular emphasis is placed on the interplay among bending elasticity, interlayer adhesion, electrostatic interactions, lattice asymmetry, and polarization during the scrolling process. We then correlate strain distribution, curvature confinement, chirality, and radial interlayer coupling with emergent electronic, ionic, optical, catalytic, and quantum properties. Finally, we discuss key bottlenecks in scalable manufacturing, structural uniformity, and precise parameter control, and propose future directions that include programmable scrolling, multiscale strain engineering, and multifunctional heterostructured nanoscroll systems. By integrating topology, curvature, and strain engineering into a unified framework, vdW nanoscrolls are expected to evolve from structurally intriguing rolled nanomaterials into programmable and multifunctional building blocks for next generation nanoelectronics, ionics, and quantum photonics.