A simple and efficient route to transparent nanocomposites

The use of multicomponent solvent systems and multiply functionalized emulsifiers opens a versatile avenue to high-quality nanocomposites. Quantitative transfer of inorganic particles from an aqueous dispersion directly to hydrophobic solvent, where aggregation of the particles is fully suppressed, can be achieved on a large scale. Due to additional functionality on the surfaces, the particles can interact with a polymer matrix, allowing formation of homogeneous organic-inorganic hybrid materials.