A method for forming a crystalline metal layer on a three-dimensional (3D) substrate is provided. The method includes applying crystal growth ink to a surface of the 3D substrate, wherein the crystal growth ink includes a metal ionic precursor and a structuring liquid; and exposing the 3D substrate to plasma irradiation from plasma in a vacuum chamber to cause the growing of a crystalline metal layer on the 3D substrate, wherein the exposure is based on a set of predefined exposure parameters.