Two-dimensional van der Waals nanocapillaries and their applications

Isolated two-dimensional (2D) crystals can be assembled into designer structures layer-by-atomic-layer in a precisely chosen sequence. Remarkably complex structures have been demonstrated and have revealed unique properties and new phenomena, commonly referred to as van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures. Using vdW technology, we have reported the creation of two-dimensional capillaries by assembling 2D crystals. It can be viewed as if individual atomic planes were pulled out of a bulk crystal leaving an atomically thin void behind. This technology offers the smallest possible empty spaces that can vary from just a few angstroms in height up to many nanometers on demand. On this basis, we investigated mass transport process, including ions transport and the peculiar properties of water under such strong confinement. I will talk about our latest progress on nanocapillaries and an overview of nanoconfinement effects study that will be carried out based on such capillaries.