Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the production of tips, the order of magnitude of which lies in the micro- and/or nanometer range, comprising contacting a precursor material with a matrix and then energetically activating over a large area, wherein the precursor material contains an element other than carbon from the second to fifth main groups, the sixth main group with an atomic number Z?16 or a sub-group of the periodic table of the elements and organic groups which are chemically bonded to the respective element directly and/or via an element of the sixth main group.