Theoretical studies with simplified model systems and ensemble experimental measurements have shown that chemical reactions in nanoconfined environments are largely different compared to those in bulk solution. Here we design a well-defined platform with catalytic centers confined in the end of nanopores with controlled lengths to study the <i>in situ</i> dynamic behavior of catalytic processes under nanoconfinement at the single-molecule and single-particle level. Variable single molecular mass transport behavior 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 uncovered a confinement-induced enhancement quantitatively in the activity of Pt nanoparticles inside the nanopores. The composition, structure, and surface properties of the solid core, aligned porous shell, and sandwiched metal nanoparticles of the multilayered nanocatalysts can be customized independently; therefore, it provides us with a highly versatile platform to study many aspects of nanoconfinement, especially pathway-dependent chemical processes and tandem reactions.

In situ quantitative study of nanoconfinement effects in heterogeneous catalysis at the single-molecule and single-particle level

256th National Meeting (2018)

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