Hybrid materials - a review on co-dispersion, processing, patterning, and properties

Inorganic and organic hybrids are a class of new materials that are purposely designed and arranged at individual species levels (often at nanoscale) to provide new morphological attributes and properties. This review is intended to offer a systematic discussion and understanding of nanoparticle-polymer hybrid materials. First, integration of nanoparticles and organic matrices is explained from two aspects: mixing of nanoparticles and organic matrix materials and in-situ formation of hybrids; the latter includes both in-situ nanoparticle formation and in-situ polymerisation. Traditional processing techniques for hybrids, such as spin coating and casting, are briefly reviewed followed by more detailed discussion on patterning through self-organisation, laser-induced patterning, and nanoimprint lithographic moulding. The extraordinary potentials of hybrids in existing property improvement and new property creation, including mechanical property, electronic property, optical property, catalytic property, magnetic property, and sensing property are presented. Lastly, opportunities and challenges for future hybrid material development are provided.