Theoretical Basis for Structure and Transport in Nanopores and Nanochannels

This chapter aims to introduce the reader to the fundamental theoretical concepts required to understand the equilibrium and nonequilibrium properties of pores and channels. For this purpose, we review first some fundamental concepts of thermodynamics and transport and then apply them to the study of nanochannels and nanopores, with a fundamental emphasis on the new physical and chemical behaviors that arise due to the nanometer size of this system and nanoconfinement effects. This theoretical background will assist the reader in the interpretation of experimental observations reported in Chapters 3, Single Ion Track-Etched Nanochannels for Analytical Applications, 4, Biomimetic Smart Nanopores and Nanochannels, and 5, Chemically Modified Nanopores in Colloidal Crystals and it will serve as the basis to understand the advanced theoretical tools for modeling nanochannels and nanopores discussed in Chapter 6, Advanced Modeling of Ion Transport in Polymer and Polyelectrolyte-Modified Nanochannels and Nanopores.