Nanoconfinement effects in electrochemical reactions

Nanostructuring materials in the aims to enhance its catalytic activity has long been indispensable in electrocatalyst development. In particular, nanoporous electrodes with numerous pores in the nanoscale, are widely utilized owing to its enlarged surface area as well as activated surface characteristics. In the geometrical point of view, nanocavities of nanoporous electrodes offer unique spatial environment that confine reactant molecules, resulting in enhanced interaction between the reactant molecule and the electrode surface. Such electrocatalytic effects stemming from the morphology of nanoporous electrodes have been denoted as nanoconfinement effects. This review introduces the concept of nanoconfinement effects in electrochemical systems, the recent progress, and perspectives in this field.