Mechanical nanolattices printed using nanocluster-based photoresists

Natural materials exhibit emergent mechanical properties due to their
nanoarchitected, nanocomposite structures with optimized hierarchy,
anisotropy and nanoporosity. Fabrication of such complex systems is
currently challenging because high-quality 3D nanoprinting is mostly
limited to simple, homogenous materials. We report a strategy for the
rapid nanoprinting of complex structural nanocomposites using metal
nanoclusters. These ultrasmall, quantum-confined nanoclusters function as
highly sensitive two-photon activators, and simultaneously serve as
precursors for mechanical reinforcements and nanoscale porogens.
Nanocomposites with complex 3D architectures are printed, as well as
structures with tunable, hierarchical and anisotropic nanoporosity.
Nanocluster-polymer nanolattices exhibit high specific strength, energy
absorption, deformability, and recoverability. This framework provides a
generalizable, versatile approach for the use of photoactive nanomaterials
in additive manufacturing of complex systems with emergent mechanical
properties.