Nanolattices

Nanolattices are three-dimensional nanostructured lattices with periodic unit cells at the nanoscale, typically built from metals, ceramics, or polymers. By engineering geometry at the nanometer scale, they can achieve a combination of high strength-to-weight ratio, stiffness, and energy absorption that is not found in conventional materials. As a form of mechanical metamaterial, nanolattices derive their properties primarily from architecture rather than composition alone.

Their performance is governed by lattice topology, cell geometry, and scaling. Common motifs include cubic, octet-truss, and auxetic configurations, whose behavior can include tunable stiffness and even negative Poisson's ratio. At nanoscale, surface effects and fabrication-induced defects influence strength and fatigue, sometimes enhancing strength compared to bulk materials, but also introducing reliability challenges.

Fabrication methods rely on advanced nanofabrication techniques. Two-photon polymerization enables three-dimensional polymer nanostructures; electron-beam lithography and nanoimprint lithography can pattern inorganic lattices; templated deposition methods such as glancing-angle deposition and atomic layer deposition are used to build and coat nanoscale skeletons. Post-processing can involve metal electroplating to create metallic nanolattices.

Potential applications include impact protection, lightweight structural components, energy storage, and sensors. Ongoing work addresses scalable manufacturing, defect control, and long-term reliability, particularly for metallic and ceramic lattices where oxidation and fatigue are considerations. As fabrication capabilities improve, nanolattices offer a route to programmable mechanical properties at small scales.