Mechanical nanolattices printed using nanocluster-based photoresists

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Additive Manufacturing

Background:

• Natural materials possess advanced mechanical properties due to their complex nanoarchitected structures.
• Current 3D nanoprinting struggles with fabricating intricate nanocomposite systems from homogeneous materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel strategy for rapid 3D nanoprinting of complex structural nanocomposites.
• To utilize metal nanoclusters as dual-function components for activation and reinforcement.

Main Methods:

• Employing ultrasmall, quantum-confined metal nanoclusters as two-photon activators and precursors.
• Developing a nanoprinting technique for fabricating 3D nanocomposites with controlled architectures.
• Achieving tunable, hierarchical, and anisotropic nanoporosity in printed structures.

Main Results:

• Successfully printed complex 3D nanocomposite architectures with tunable nanoporosity.
• Demonstrated that nanocluster-polymer nanolattices exhibit superior specific strength, energy absorption, deformability, and recoverability.
• Validated the use of photoactive nanomaterials in additive manufacturing.

Conclusions:

• The developed framework offers a versatile approach for additive manufacturing of complex systems.
• This method enables the creation of materials with emergent mechanical properties through precise nanostructure control.
• Metal nanoclusters are effective in creating advanced nanocomposites with tailored hierarchical and anisotropic features.