High-performance functional nanocomposites using 3D ordered and continuous nanostructures generated from proximity-field nanopatterning

Functional nanocomposites have attracted great attention in a variety of fields of application including energy harvesting (or storage) devices, structural materials, heat-dissipating materials and many others due to their controllable material properties (e.g. mechanical, thermal, electrical, and optical). However, conventional solid or porous nanocomposites based on nanoparticle-type materials have significant problems such as a high aggregation tendency, low percolation ratio and low mass transport, which cause a fatal degradation of the mechanical, thermal and electrical performance. Therefore, here we focus on unconventional nanocomposites using 3D continuous and ordered nanostructures to overcome the aforementioned issues. The 3D ordered and continuous nanostructures ensure excellent dispersion, conduction and efficient mass transport properties, resulting in outstanding material properties of functional nanocomposites. In this review, useful fabrication techniques of the 3D functional nanocomposites using proximity-field nanopatterning, which is a reliable 3D patterning tool over a large area, will be summarized. Furthermore, we will introduce the 3D functional nanocomposite-based high-performance applications including a functional coating film, stretchable conductor, strain sensor and energy devices.