Issue

Vol. 18 (2026)

Harnessing Surface Instabilities for Functional Materials: Mechanics, Morphology, and Emerging Applications

https://doi.org/10.1007/s40820-026-02162-3
Qiuting Zhang
School of Mechanical Engineering & Automation, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, People’s Republic of China
Yunli Li
School of Mechanical Engineering & Automation, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, People’s Republic of China
Ruifeng Zhang
Wu Jieh Yee School of Interdisciplinary Studies, Lingnan University, Tuen Mun 999077, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
Enfang Wang
School of Mechanical Engineering & Automation, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, People’s Republic of China
Ye Xu
School of Mechanical Engineering & Automation, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, People’s Republic of China
Yujie Ke
Wu Jieh Yee School of Interdisciplinary Studies, Lingnan University, Tuen Mun 999077, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
Xi Chen
Wu Jieh Yee School of Interdisciplinary Studies, Lingnan University, Tuen Mun 999077, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
Gaojian Lin
Institute of Particle Science and Technology, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110000, People’s Republic of China

Corresponding Author: Gaojian Lin

lingaojian@mail.neu.edu.cn

Nano-Micro Letters, Vol. 18 (2026), Article Number: 334

Abstract

Surface instabilities, such as wrinkling, folding, and creasing, have transcended their traditional perception as mechanical failures to emerge as a powerful and versatile paradigm for engineering functional surface morphologies in soft materials. This review comprehensively examines the mechanics, fabrication, and rapidly expanding applications of these instability-driven patterns. This review first elucidates the fundamental principles governing the formation of various instability modes, stemming from classical model of thin film–substrate system, and discusses advanced strategies for achieving precise morphological control, including hierarchical and spatially organized structures. Then the core of this review highlights the transformative impact of these tailored surface topographies across diverse fields. Key applications explored include the development of highly sensitive and stretchable electronic skins (E-skins), energy-harvesting triboelectric nanogenerators, deformable optoelectronic devices, physically unclonable features for advanced optical encryption and anti-counterfeiting, engineering surfaces with dynamically tunable wettability, and biomimetic constructs for biomedical engineering and artificial tissues. Finally, a forward-looking perspective on the challenges and future opportunities in this vibrant field was provided, emphasizing the potential of integrating stimuli-responsive materials, computational design, and artificial intelligence to develop the next generation of intelligent, adaptive, and multifunctional surfaces


Highlights:
1 Surface instabilities like wrinkling are recast as a versatile design paradigm for creating functional morphologies in soft materials, moving beyond their traditional view as mechanical failures.
2 Precise control over hierarchical and spatially organized instability patterns enables tailored properties for advanced applications in electronics, optics, and biomedicine.
3 Key emerging applications include highly sensitive E-skins, stretchable batteries and light-emitting diodes, physically unclonable anti-counterfeiting features, and surfaces with dynamically tunable wettability.

Keywords

Surface instabilities Functional materials Stretchable devices Tunable wettability Biomedical engineering
Zhang, Qiuting, Yunli Li, Ruifeng Zhang, Enfang Wang, Ye Xu, Yujie Ke, Xi Chen, and Gaojian Lin. 2026. “Harnessing Surface Instabilities for Functional Materials: Mechanics, Morphology, and Emerging Applications”. Nano-Micro Letters 18 (April):334. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40820-026-02162-3.
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