Advancements in polymer nanoconfinement: tailoring material properties for advanced technological applications

Abstract

The precise encapsulation of polymer chains within nanometer-scale spaces or structures has sparked a dynamic research field with vast potential for technological applications. Through confinement, properties such as morphology, thermal stability, and mechanical strength can be finely tuned, offering opportunities for advanced materials and biomedical devices. Various confinement methods, including nanoparticle encapsulation, planar thin films, and cylindrical confinement, induce unique alterations in polymer behaviour, affecting their optical, electronic, and thermal properties. The remarkable expansion in the applications of confined polymers across numerous research fields underscores the need for critical discussions on future potential. Therefore, this perspective article aims to identify key challenges and opportunities in this interdisciplinary research community, with a special focus on their practical applications.