Abstract: The present disclosure provides hollow nanostructures, methods of forming thereof, and methods of delivery of further nanomaterials utilizing the hollow nanostructures. The hollow nanostructures can be formed by illuminating particles, such as spherical particles, to create a scattering pattern that can be captured on, for example, a photoresist. Thus formed nanoparticles can have a substantially frusto-conical shape that can be tailored based on a variety of factors, including, for example, particle size, particle shape, light exposure characteristics, and light polarization.