Structures and methods for the fabrication of ceramic nanostructures.
Structures include metal particles, preferably comprising copper,
disposed on a ceramic substrate. The structures are heated, preferably in
the presence of microwaves, to a temperature that softens the metal
particles and preferably forms a pool of molten ceramic under the
softened metal particle. A nano-generator is created wherein ceramic
material diffuses through the molten particle and forms ceramic
nanostructures on a polar site of the metal particle. The nanostructures
may comprise silica, alumina, titania, or compounds or mixtures thereof.