Origami and Kirigami on Nanomembranes: Design, Fabrication, and Applications

Origami and kirigami, traditional arts that transform flat sheets into intricate three-dimensional structures through the design of creases and cuts, have inspired a wide range of engineering applications across multiple fields. These scale-independent fabrication techniques have been adapted to nanomembranes, enabling the construction of reconfigurable micro- and nanostructures with unique properties that are challenging to achieve through conventional methods. This review highlights recent advancements in the design, fabrication, and applications of origami and kirigami on nanomembranes. Fundamental design theories for crease and cut patterns on nanomembranes and their corresponding mechanical responses under large deformations, such as twisting and bending, are discussed together with the actuation mechanisms that facilitate the transition from two-dimensional patterns to three-dimensional structures. Recently developed microfabrication methods are summarized, including patterning, detachment, and transfer printing for nanomembranes. The applications of nanomembrane-based origami and kirigami devices in optoelectronics, micro/nanorobots, and metamaterials are highlighted, which take advantage of the reconfigurable complex 3D microstructures. Key challenges in the field are identified, and future research directions are proposed to further integrate origami and kirigami principles into nanomembrane engineering. This overview aims to provide researchers with a comprehensive reference to foster further innovations and applications in this emerging interdisciplinary domain.