Abstract

Title: Metallic Lattice Metamaterials: Extreme Manufacturing and Multifunctional Applications

Abstract: Metallic lattice metamaterials, a class of architected materials characterized by their precisely engineered periodic micro-architectures, have emerged as a frontier in materials science and advanced manufacturing. We begin by discussing our developed Micro-Selective Laser Melting (µSLM), which enable the fabrication of metallic lattices with unprecedented geometric complexity and fine feature resolution. Then, building upon µSLM technology, we have developed an oxide dispersion strengthening strategy that enables high-precision (78 µm), cost-effective additive manufacturing of pure copper components using infrared lasers. Furthermore, through the implementation of dislocation-engineered 3D printing methodology, we have achieved integrated manufacturing across nano-to-macro scales. The presentation subsequently demonstrates the multifunctional applications of these advanced manufacturing technologies across various domains, including components for supersonic impact resistance (aerospace), high-precision metalens fabrication (terahertz communications), extreme heat environments (combustion chambers), and monolithic catalytic electrodes (sustainable development). Together, these advances promote the multi-scale development of lattice metamaterials and unlock their potential for next-generation engineering applications.

Bio: Dr. Liqiang is currently a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Additive Microstructure Engineering (AddME) Lab at the University of Cambridge, under the supervision of Prof. Matteo Seita. He received his PhD from City University of Hong Kong in 2024. Following his Ph.D., he conducted postdoctoral research at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. His research specializes in the multi-scale design and additive manufacturing of metallic lattice metamaterials, with a focus on high-thermal-conductivity copper-based materials and high-strength/ductility high-entropy alloys for extreme service conditions. Dr. Liqiang’s work has resulted in high-impact publications in journals, covering topics such as extreme dynamic loading (Science Advances, 2025, featured as Cover Article), terahertz metalens manufacturing (Nature Communications, 2025), sustainable electrocatalyst design (Nature Communications, 2025), and extreme thermal management (Additive Manufacturing, 2024).