Redox activated patterning

A method of forming a metal structure, comprising:

• patterning a redox agent on a template layer formed on a substrate, the template layer having a first oxidation state, the redox agent adapted to change the oxidation state of a portion of the template layer in contact with the redox agent to a second oxidation state different from the first oxidation state, wherein a template pattern is formed from the portion of the template layer having either the first or second oxidation state;
• and
• exposing the template pattern to a metal ion or metal containing compound, the metal ion or metal containing compound being reduced by the template pattern to form a metal structure disposed on the template pattern.

A method forming a metal nanostructure, comprising:

• patterning a metal ion or a metal containing compound on a template layer having a first oxidation state, the template layer adapted to reduce the metal containing compound when in contact with the metal ion or metal containing compound, thereby forming a metal structure on the template layer.