Fullerene-based organic-inorganic nanocomposites and their applications

The development of new materials based on the novel and unique properties e xhibited by the family of fullerenes is attracting growing interest from ma terials scientists. As the progress of the studies discloses new properties and basic knowledge is better established, three main fields are emerging in the preparation of materials from fullerenes: fullerene thin films, orga nic polymeric materials that contain fullerene molecules, and the incorpora tion of fullerenes and their derivatives in inorganic host matrixes to fabr icate organic-inorganic nanocomposites. This last family of materials, in p articular, opens several interesting perspectives for different application s, especially in nonlinear optics and photoelectrochemistry. Fullerene orga nic-inorganic nanocomposites have been prepared using porous media as a hos t matrix and different groups of materials synthesized via sol-gel, such as aerogels, porous inorganic oxides, and hybrid and mesoporous materials. Na nocomposite materials developed from fullerenes in inorganic host media are the objects of the present review.