Patent attributes
Aspects relate to patterned nanostructures having a feature size not including film thickness of below 5 microns. The patterned nanostructures are made up of nanoparticles having an average particle size of less than 100 nm. A nanoparticle composition, which, in some cases, includes a binder, is applied to a substrate. A patterned mold used in concert with electromagnetic radiation function to manipulate the nanoparticle composition in forming the patterned nanostructure. In some embodiments, the patterned mold nanoimprints a pattern onto the nanoparticle composition and the composition is cured through UV or thermal energy. Three-dimensional patterned nanostructures may be formed. A number of patterned nanostructure layers may be prepared and joined together. In some cases, a patterned nanostructure may be formed as a layer that is releasable from the substrate upon which it is initially formed. Such releasable layers may be arranged to form a three-dimensional patterned nanostructure for suitable applications.