In situ quantitative single-molecule study of dynamic catalytic processes in nanoconfinement

Understanding the fundamental catalytic principles when the catalytic centre is confined in nanoscale space that is dimensionally comparable to the reactant molecule is crucial for designing high-performance catalysts. Theoretical studies with simplified model systems and ensemble experimental measurements have shown that chemical reactions in nanoconfined environments are largely different from those in bulk solution. Here, we design a well-defined platform with catalytic centres confined in the end of nanopores with controlled lengths to study the in situ dynamic behaviour of catalytic processes under nanoconfinement at the single-molecule and single-particle level. Variable single molecular mass transport behaviour reveals the heterogeneity of the confined environment in the nanopores. With the capability of decoupling mass transport factors from reaction kinetics in the well-defined platform, we quantitatively uncovered a confinement-induced enhancement in the activity of platinum nanoparticles inside the nanopores. The combination of the unique model catalyst and the single-molecule super-localization imaging technique paves the way to understanding nanoconfinement effects in catalysis. Nanoconfinement effects are crucial in any process that involves porous materials. Here, the authors present a nanoporous catalyst platform that enables these effects to be studied in situ at the single-molecule and single-particle level with turnover resolution.