A method for patterning metal oxides or ceramics on surfaces, and more particularly, a method of forming photonic crystals. The patterning is done using a solution coating process and a polymer-based template made by nano-imprint lithography. The methodology to pattern a sol-gel can be used to make features without the undesired scum layer. Furthermore, the patterned photonic crystals were demonstrated to efficiently increase the light extraction efficiency of solid state devices based on GaN.