Ångström-Scale channels for Sensing, Ionic devices, and Chemistry in confinement

Angstrom-scale fluidic channels, constructed with atomic precision, present an extraordinary opportunity to manipulate and understand molecular transport, ionic interactions, and reactivity at dimensions where quantum and classical phenomena converge. This proposal pioneers the exploration of these channels as advanced platforms for investigating interplay of ionic dynamics, driving innovations in memory devices, neuromorphic computing, sensing, and chemistry, with implications for energy-efficient devices and advanced materials. ANGEL will design mechano-sensors based on angstrom-scale confinement, where mechanical stimuli modulate ionic transport, advancing the understanding of ionic mechano-transduction and lay the groundwork for adaptive and bio-inspired devices. We will establish ionic memory systems with fluidic channels, to mimic neural processing, logic and learning. We will study the dynamic stimuli-responsive gating and the electron-ion coupling in the fluidic interface. Furthermore, we will explore photochemical reactions and photoemission phenomena under extreme spatial confinement. With real-time visualization and quantum sensing, we will uncover fundamental insights into molecular behaviour within confined environments. ANGEL will exploit the unique properties of ultra-confinement to achieve key four objectives: 1) Engineering artificial mechanoreceptive systems inspired by biological sensors, 2 Advancing ionic memory devices for neuromorphic computing, 3) Investigate ion gating in confinement by chemicals as well as through effects of ionic coloumb drag, and 4) Investigate confinement effects to modulate photoemission and drive chemical transformations.