Novel methods of fabricating porous structures (e.g., nanostructures) and resulting structures are disclosed. The novel methods use precision optics to cure a slurry made from one or more powders mixed with photopolymers. Pore size control preferably is achieved by controlling the powder size and powder loading in the slurry. As the disclosed methods are based on optics to control the thickness preferably without any mechanical movements, extreme tight thickness tolerance, as well as control of the profile structure, may be achieved. The novel disclosed methods are highly-cost effective with shorter manufacturing cycle time compared to conventional methods. Moreover, a supporting substrate may not be required as the resultant structure made by the novel fabrication techniques disclosed herein has enough strength to be free-standing.