Reaction and particle distribution in networks of single-file systems

A quadratic network of mutually intersecting channels with single-file confinement is considered as a host system for molecules A undergoing a unidirectional reaction A --> B in the channel intersections. If each of the two sets of perpendicular channels is able to accommodate only one of the two types of molecular species, the overall particle concentration deviates significantly from being homogeneous. Under these conditions, the effective reactivity may substantially exceed that in an equivalent system without mutual particle exclusion.