Nanohybrid

Nanohybrid refers to a nanoscale material formed by integrating two or more distinct nanomaterial components to produce a hybrid with properties that are not simply additive. Nanohybrids typically combine inorganic nanostructures, such as metals, metal oxides, or semiconductor nanoparticles, with organic components like polymers or dyes, or link two inorganic phases at the nanoscale to create a defined interface. The goal is to achieve synergistic effects that enhance functionality, such as improved charge transport, altered optical responses, or tailored catalytic surfaces.

Synthesis and structure: Methods include covalent bonding or coordination-driven assembly between components, electrostatic self-assembly, in situ growth of one phase on another, layer-by-layer assembly, and sol-gel or hydrothermal approaches. Control over size, morphology, interface chemistry, and spatial distribution is central to performance.

Properties and applications: Nanohybrids exhibit tunable properties by adjusting composition and interface. Applications span catalysis, energy storage and conversion, sensing, imaging, drug delivery, and photonics. Examples include metal nanoparticle–polymer hybrids, semiconductor quantum dot–polymer hybrids, and graphene or MOF-based hybrids integrated with nanoparticles.

Challenges and research trends: Major issues include reproducible synthesis, scalable production, long-term stability, and biocompatibility for medical uses. Comprehensive characterization of interfaces and understanding structure–property relationships remain active areas of study as researchers pursue more complex and functional nanohybrids.