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Mechanical nanolattices printed using nanocluster-based photoresists

Authors :
Qi Li
John Kulikowski
David Doan
Ottman A. Tertuliano
Charles J. Zeman
Melody M. Wang
George C. Schatz
X. Wendy Gu
Source :
Science (New York, N.Y.). 378(6621)
Publication Year :
2022

Abstract

Natural materials exhibit emergent mechanical properties as a result of their nanoarchitected, nanocomposite structures with optimized hierarchy, anisotropy, and nanoporosity. Fabrication of such complex systems is currently challenging because high-quality three-dimensional (3D) nanoprinting is mostly limited to simple, homogeneous 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.

Subjects

Subjects :
Multidisciplinary

Details

ISSN :
10959203
Volume :
378
Issue :
6621
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Science (New York, N.Y.)
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....f40fc47959ccc4906292986540dcb67f