Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating ceramic microstructures, i.e., microcomponents of micron or submicron dimensions. A polymer composition is prepared containing a polymer, typically a thermally or chemically curable polymer, and nanometer size (1 to 1000 nm in diameter) ceramic particles. A mold, such as a lithographically patterned mold, preferably a LIGA mold, is filled with the polymer composition and the polymer is then cured or otherwise hardened. The elevated segments of the mold are then removed. The surface-attached ceramic microstructures so provided may then be removed from the substrate and, if desired, pyrolyzed and sintered.

Abstract: A nitride material comprises C.sub.2 N. A method of forming a covalent carbon material includes forming an atomic nitrogen source, forming an elemental reagent source and combining the atomic nitrogen, elemental reagent to form the covalent carbon material and annealing the covalent carbon material. The elemental reagent is reactive with the atomic nitrogen of the atomic nitrogen source to form the covalent carbon material. Annealing the covalent carbon material produces the C.sub.2 N. In one embodiment, essentially all carbon nitride chemical bonds are single or double bonds.