The present invention provides a nano-calorimeter device operable for measuring and characterizing the thermodynamic and other physical properties of materials that are confined to essentially nano-scale dimensions. The nano-calorimeter device including a thin film membrane having a first surface and a second surface. The nano-calorimeter device also including a frame structure disposed adjacent to and in thermal contact with the first surface of the thin film membrane, the frame structure defining a plurality of hollow cells adjacent to and in thermal contact with the first surface of the thin film membrane. The nano-calorimeter device further including one or more micro-heating elements disposed adjacent to and in thermal contact with the second surface of the thin film membrane, the location of the one or more micro-heating elements disposed adjacent to the second surface of the thin film membrane substantially corresponding to the location of the plurality of hollow cells defined adjacent to the first surface of the thin film membrane.