J. Mater. Chem. A

One of the key frontiers in nanomaterial fabrication is the integration of different materials within the same structure to increase functionality. In particular, interactions between nanoscale materials with distinctly different physical and chemical properties can greatly improve the overall application performance of the nanocomposites and can even generate new synergetic properties. Within the last decade, the development of wet-chemistry methods has led to the development of research in to composite nanomaterials. The efforts of many leading research groups have led to a rich variety of composite nanomaterials. However, the design and synthesis of composite nanomaterials with controlled properties remain a significant challenge. We devote this review for summarizing the solution-based methods used for the preparation of noble metal-based nanocomposites, their characterization and their potential applications in diverse areas to provide readers with a systematic and coherent overview of the field. One of the key frontiers in nanomaterial fabrication is the integration of different materials within the same structure to increase functionality. In particular, interactions between nanoscale materials with distinctly different physical and chemical properties can greatly improve the overall application performance of the nanocomposites and can even generate new synergetic properties. Within the last decade, the development of wet-chemistry methods has led to the development of research in to composite nanomaterials. The efforts of many leading research groups have led to a rich variety of composite nanomaterials. However, the design and synthesis of composite nanomaterials with controlled properties remain a significant challenge. We devote this review for summarizing the solution-based methods used for the preparation of noble metal-based nanocomposites, their characterization and their potential applications in diverse areas to provide readers with a systematic and coherent overview of the field.