Last Advancements on Molecular Confinement of Polymeric Nanomaterials

Abstract

Understanding how polymer chains are altered by confinement or physical constraints not only is a fundamental question in polymer physics but also holds significant relevance across various fields, as it can elucidate diverse properties of the macroscopic materials. This phenomenon takes places in a wide variety of nanomaterials with different geometries. In the last decade, fabricating and researching polymeric nanomaterials has raised interest as their properties can overcome those of the starting polymer. It is thought that molecular confinement could help tailor mechanical, thermal, rheological, or chemical properties. Therefore, this review aims to present an overview of the recent advancements in the study of the dynamics of polymeric chains within different polymeric nanomaterials, putting emphasis on nanoporous ones. The review includes (i) a description of diverse polymeric nanomaterials and the origin of molecular confinement and its influence on their properties, (ii) an overview of the advancements on molecular confinement and its effects on polymeric nanoporous materials, and (iii) a summary of well-stablished facts and knowledge gaps.