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Different pore shapes correspond to different interaction strengths between pore surface and molecules, which will result in discrepancy of nanoconfined water transport capacity. In this article, complex nanoscale pore shapes are represented by ellipses, which possess an excellent shape-variation physical property, that is, ellipses can gradually transition from circles to slit-like cross-sections by manipulating aspect ratio from 1 to maxima. Moreover, capturing water slip phenomenon and spatially variation of water viscosity, an analytical model for water transport capacity through elliptical nanopores is developed. Results show that (a) water slip effect plays a limited positive role at hydrophilic environment and a strong positive role at hydrophobic environment;(b) nanopores with more flat geometry feature will possess smaller enhance factor at hydrophilic environment; (c) spatially viscosity distribution is a negative factor when contact angle is lower than about 130 and turns to a positive factor when contact angle is higher than about 130 . K E Y W O R D Snanoconfined water flow, various pore shapes, water slip phenomenon, water viscosity

The pursuit, toward transport efficiency, is significantly necessary for energy conversion, water filtration. However, structure design, aiming at further enhancing nanoconfined water flow, is still lacking. With the motivation to bridge the knowledge gap, a simple yet practical model regarding the nanocone structure design is established. This research demonstrates that nanocone, with desirable opening angle and length, possesses the capacity to achieve the optimal flow behavior. Flow resistance occurring inside nanocones, and that at cone entrance, exit, are considered. Optimal nanocone geometry can be determined based on the minimization of total resistance. Results show that (a) suitable opening angle spans from 10 to 30 over a wide range of nanocone geometry; (b) evident decline tendency of the suitable opening angle toward the increasing surface wettability is captured; and (c) water transport capacity inside optimal nanocone is 4-50 times that within cylindrical nanopores. This article forms a theoretical framework for nanocone design.

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