Structures, systems and methods for joining articles and materials and uses therefor

A method of joining two or more articles, the method comprising:

• i) depositing a first plurality of inorganic nanofibers on a first surface of a first article, wherein the plurality of nanofibers have a curved or curled configuration;
• ii) contacting the first surface of the first article with a second surface of a second article, whereby each nanofiber contacts the second surface of the second article at a plurality of contact points wherein the contacting creates van der Waals forces between each of said nanofibers and the second surface of the second article, such that the van der Waals forces between the nanofibers and the second surface of the second article are sufficient to adhere the first and second articles together.