Hybrid organic-inorganic materials have rapidly become a fascinating new field of research in materials science. Hybrid material means a disordered system that forms intricate organic and inorganic networks. Large scientific efforts focused recently on the development of these hybrids using various synthetic strategies such as post-grafting, co-condensation methods, post-polymerization, supramolecular organization and others. The degree of linking and cross-linking of the organic and inorganic networks influences the physical-chemical properties and can be controlled by varying, for example, the amount of organic precursor, the catalyst or the time of stirring the mixture. The nature of the bonds between organic and inorganic phases is used to divide them in two major families: Class I hybrid materials are those that show weak interactions between the two phases, such as van der Waals, hydrogen bonding or weak electrostatic interactions. Class II hybrid materials are those that show strong chemical interactions between the components such as covalent bonds. Hybrid functional materials, constituting both inorganic and organic components, are considered potential platforms for applications in extremely diverse fields such as optics, micro-electronics, transportation, health, energy, energy storage, diagnosis, housing, environment, and so on...

The detailed description and discussion of recent progress in the design, synthesis and structural features of hybrid organic-inorganic materials as well as their modern practical applications is the prime focus of this special issue.

Aims and Scope: