A method for sharpening a nanotip involving a laser-enhanced chemical etching is provided. The method includes immersing a nanotip in an etchant solution. The nanotip includes a base and an apex, the apex having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the base. The method also includes irradiating the nanotip with laser fluence to establish a temperature gradient in the nanotip along a direction from the apex to the base of the nanotip such that the apex and base are etched at different rates.