Nanohybrid material (source code)

= Nanohybrid material

A <nanohybrid material> combines distinguishable material components with at least one component or important structural feature on the <nanoscale>. Examples include inorganic <nanoparticles> dispersed in an organic <polymer>, or nanoparticles carrying a functional molecular coating. The term alone does not specify a unique composition or structure.

The interface is often central: particles may provide an optical or catalytic response, while the surrounding material supplies mechanical support or processability. Performance depends on particle dispersion, interfacial bonding and the properties of each component. A mixed chemical composition is insufficient evidence for a designed hybrid structure; measurements must establish which components exist and how they are arranged. <Electron microscopy>, spectroscopy and bulk-property measurements can provide complementary evidence.