Functionalization of nanoparticles for dispersion in polymers and assembly in fluids

The fluorescent, magnetic, and conductive properties of nanoparticles can transform polymer‐based materials into composites with higher levels of sophistication than found in polymers alone. The ligand chemistry of nanoparticles is critically important in the development of polymer–nanoparticle composites to prevent nanoparticle aggregation and direct their assembly within polymers. Nanoparticle ligands can also prevent aggregation in solution and direct the assembly of nanoparticles at fluid–fluid interfaces, where interfacial chemistries can be performed to provide new routes to ultrathin composite sheets and capsules.