Abstract Ion transport and hydrodynamic flow through nanometer-sized channels (nanopores) have been increasingly studied owing to not only the fundamental interest in the abundance of novel phenomena that has been observed but also their promising application in innovative nanodevices, including next-generation sequencers, nanopower generators, and memristive synapses. We first review various kinds of materials and the associated state-of-the-art processes developed for fabricating nanoscale pores, including the emerging structures of DNA origami and 2-dimensional nanopores. Then, the unique transport phenomena are examined wherein the surface properties of wall materials play predominant roles in inducing intriguing characteristics, such as ion selectivity and reverse electrodialysis. Finally, we highlight recent progress in the potential application of nanopores, ranging from their use in biosensors to nanopore-based artificial synapses.