Chapter 12 - Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Nanomaterials: Synthesis, Characterization, and Application

Abstract

The increasing interest in energy maintenance, as well as an environmentally and human-friendly material with potential medical applications, is the driving force for the development of new nanomaterials. In this chapter, synthetic methodology, properties, and potential applications of organic–inorganic hybrids linked together through strong chemical bonds are reviewed. The first type of hybrid nanomaterials, based on chemically stable wide-band-gap oxides, whose optical properties can be tuned by interfacial charge transfer complex formation with small colorless organic molecules, is suitable to participate in photo-induced processes (photocatalysis, water-splitting reaction, solar cells). The second type of hybrid nanomaterial is polymer supports decorated with inorganic nanoparticles, in particular, silver, with potential application as a disinfection agent. This review provides a contribution to the general understanding of the interface chemistry in the rapidly growing field of organic–inorganic hybrid nanomaterials.