Neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, urgently require new therapeutic strategies. Monoamine oxidase B (MAO B), a mitochondrial enzyme involved in oxidative stress and neurotransmitter metabolism, has emerged as a promising target for neuroprotection. A 5-substituted-1H-indazole derivative (here referred to as compound 1) has been recently identified as a potent and safe MAO B inhibitor with antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. Unfortunately, compound 1 suffers from poor aqueous solubility and chemical stability under hydrolytic conditions, thereby limiting its therapeutic potential. To overcome these drawbacks, nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) were developed as delivery systems for compound 1. The coloading of luminescent carbon dots (CDs) together with compound 1 within NLCs further enabled investigation into NLCs' ability to permeate through the artificial blood-brain barrier (BBB) model, allowing a quantitative evaluation of crossing efficiency. Delivery via NLCs resulted in a markedly higher fraction of compound 1 crossing the BBB (∼26%) compared with the free molecule (∼2.6%). Encapsulation also retained antioxidant efficacy in SH-SY5Y cells, while the nanoformulations exhibited a good degree of cell tolerance, with viability remaining above 60% across the tested concentration range. These in vitro findings suggest that the proposed nanoformulation represents a promising strategy to enhance delivery of the investigated small molecule to the central nervous system (CNS), highlighting its potential application in neurodegenerative diseases (NDs).

This study presents a comprehensive optochemical characterization of low-pressure plasma polymerized polythiophene films, with a particular focus on the effect of iodine doping on their optical properties. Special attention was given to the use of helium as carrier gas, previously unexplored in polythiophene plasma polymerization. Films deposited using thiophene, either without carrier gas or in the presence of Ar or He were compared by a comprehensive set of techniques. The optical density of the as-deposited polymers was found strongly dependent on plasma energy. Carrier-fed plasmas, in which ion bombardment intensity decreased going from Ar to He, promoted the formation of more compact structures with reduced monomer retention, thereby influencing iodine uptake and doping kinetics. Therefore, beside thickness variation, it was demonstrated that the optical properties can be tuned by doping duration, also providing insights into the iodine out-diffusion kinetics. To this aim, a dedicated case study on 20-nm-thick layers was performed, targeting optoelectronic applications and device integration.

The synthesis and characterization of a novel antibacterial hybrid nanocomposite composed of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) functionalized with histidine and decorated with Ag nanoparticles (NPs) is reported. The material was developed via an in situ colloidal approach, performed in water at ice bath temperature. Histidine was selected as molecular linker due to its unique physicochemical properties: (i) ability to exfoliate RGO and enhance its dispersion in aqueous media, (ii) pi-pi aromatic stacking interactions with the graphene basal plane, and (iii) presence of imidazole and amine groups that provide coordination sites for Ag+ ions, enabling controlled nucleation and anchoring of monodispersed Ag NPs. The nanocomposite structure was finely tuned by systematically optimizing synthetic parameters, and each parameter was evaluated through morphological and spectroscopic characterization to assess NP size distribution and anchoring density. The nanocomposite was applied as coating on cotton fabrics and tested for the antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli), following the ISO 20743:2021 quantitative standard protocol. The nanocomposite demonstrated superior and more stable antibacterial performance compared to Ag NP coatings synthesized with comparable size and surface properties. MTS assays confirmed that the modified textiles did not significantly impair cell viability. Given its colloidal stability, sustained antibacterial efficacy, and safety profile, the nanocomposite represents a robust platform for functional coatings in biomedical textiles, wound dressings and surgical fabrics, particularly suited to abdominal and intestinal procedures where E. coli contamination is a major concern.

The integration of a nonporous silica core with a mesoporous silica shell represents a highly versatile platform for the design of an advanced generation of multifunctional nanomaterials with strong potential in nanomedicine. Here, we systematically investigate a two-step strategy to synthesize submicrometer nonporous@mesoporous silica nanoparticles, elucidating how key parameters govern mesoporous shell growth and morphology. Nonporous silica cores were used as seeds for mesoporous shell growth via a soft-templated approach. By comparing monophasic and microemulsion-assisted routes, a structural evolution from conventional mesoporous shells to hierarchical dendritic large-pore architectures featuring radially oriented channels and dual porosity was achieved. These core@shell nanoparticles were further evaluated as multifunctional platforms for applications in nanomedicine, demonstrating tunable surface chemistry and relevant biocompatibility. In addition, the successful incorporation of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles into the silica cores, together with the preservation of their magnetic properties after core@shell formation, highlights the robustness and versatility of this strategy for engineering multifunctional nanoplatforms for advanced nanomedicine applications.

A novel hybrid nanocomposite has been synthesized via a polyol-based proceed, consisting of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) coated silver nanowires (Ag NWs) decorating Reduced Graphene Oxide (RGO) sheets, functionalized with histidine (His). While conventional methods involve mixing pre-synthesized Ag NWs with graphene derivatives, an approach that typically results in a weak electron coupling between the components, this study presents an in situ synthesis strategy designed to promote a stronger interfacial interaction and, hence, electronic connectivity within the nanocomposite. In this nanocomposite, the Ag NWs are coordinated by His molecules, which are non covalently anchored to the RGO basal plane through aromatic π-π stacking interactions. His has been purposefully selected due to its multifunctional role: it facilitates the liquid-phase exfoliation of RGO in water, enables stable dispersion in ethylene glycol, which is an environmentally friendly solvent serving as the reducing agent in the polyol reaction, and acts as a molecular linker between the Ag NWs and the RGO surface. The influence of various experimental parameters on the morphology and size distribution of the Ag NWs across the His-RGO scaffold has been thoroughly explored through spectroscopy and microscopy techniques, enabling a deeper understanding of the nanocomposite's formation mechanism. The findings have revealed that the Ag NWs grow in situ on the His-RGO sheets, originating from pre-synthesized AgCl nanocubes that anchor selectively at the coordinating sites of His. Notably, well dispersed His-RGO flakes decorated with morphologically controlled Ag NWs have been successfully obtained in ethanol suspension. These nanostructures can hold significant promise as functional materials for diverse applications, including electrochemical and Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) sensors, temperature sensors, antimicrobial coatings, and thermal management technologies.

Bone represents one of the most common sites for metastasis originating from solid tumors, especially breast and prostate cancers, causing severe complications like pain, fractures, and impaired quality of life. Hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles (NPs) have been considered as good candidates for bone-targeted drug delivery due to their biocompatibility and osteoconductivity. In this study, we developed selenium-doped hydroxyapatite (HASe) NPs with reduced selenium content (up to 2.40 wt%) with the aim of overcoming the toxicity issues associated with previously reported higher Se doping levels. The HA-based NPs were thoroughly characterized to evaluate their morphological, colloidal, and compositional features, supporting the effective incorporation of selenium (Se) within the HA structure. In vitro cytotoxicity assays on MCF7wt breast cancer cells demonstrated a clear Se dose-dependent reduction in viability. To improve the anticancer potential, HA and selected HASe NPs were further functionalized with two HA-binding anti-tumor platinum-bisphosphonate (PtBP) complexes. The resulting PtBP-HASe NPs exhibited stronger cytotoxicity than PtBP-HA, despite their lower platinum content, highlighting an additional effect due to the presence of Se. Notably, PtBP-HASe NPs maintained a cytotoxic profile comparable to more highly doped HASe formulations, while reducing their Se content, potentially improving safety. Mechanistic investigations confirmed that reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to the antiproliferative activity of both the platinum complexes and the functionalized NPs, providing insight into the redox-mediated cytotoxicity of these nanomaterials. These findings suggest that PtBP-HASe NPs represent a promising dual-action biomaterial for bone-targeted cancer therapy, combining anticancer efficacy with enhanced biocompatibility potential.

Given the growing need to address emerging contaminants in water systems, particularly pharmaceutical compounds, there is a pressing demand for advanced and eco-friendly technologies capable of effectively degrading these pollutants. Heterogeneous photocatalysts, especially those based on TiO2, have shown considerable promise in water purification efforts. However, TiO2’s efficiency is primarily confined to the ultraviolet region (< 380nm) due to its large band gap energy (3.2eV) in the anatase phase. To overcome this limitation and extend the use of TiO2-based photocatalysts to the visible light spectrum, combining titania with other oxides that are sensitive to visible light has proven to be a successful strategy. Ceria (CeO2), with its Ce3+/Ce4+ redox pair, enhances photocatalytic activity, while CuO is recognized for its ability to promote visible light responsiveness in TiO2 catalysts. This study explores a one-pot soft-hard templating Solution Combustion Synthesis (SCS) approach to prepare a series of CeO2-CuO-TiO2 nanostructures with different compositions, as effective heterogeneous photocatalysts for visible light-assisted degradation of organic contaminants. The performance of these photocatalysts was investigated both under UV and visible light irradiation, for methylene blue and nalidixic acid degradation, respectively, and compared to those of commercially available TiO2 nanomaterials used as references. Structural, morphological, textural, and redox analyses demonstrate that the synergistic interaction between the CeO2 and CuO phases with TiO2 significantly boosts the photocatalytic performance, particularly under visible light. Notably, the-top performing ternary photocatalyst reached a degradation rate of 62.9% in 90min, surpassing the reference TiO2 P25, which achieved 45% under the same experimental conditions. The study highlights the potential of SCS as an effective synthetic method for producing nanostructured materials with controlled composition and structure. This approach promisingly addresses the environmental challenge of degrading organic contaminants in water using visible light.

The incidence of antibiotic resistance has urgently requested for effective antibacterial agents. Silver nano-particles (Ag NPs) demonstrated excellent antibacterial properties, effectively targeting and eliminating various bacterial strains through multiple mechanisms. However, their effectiveness is often limited by aggregation and rapid oxidation, especially in the case of smaller NPs, which would significantly reduce their biocidal activity. Anchoring Ag NPs on inorganic carriers can overcome this limitation improving both stability and long-term antibacterial efficiency. In this study, sub-micrometer mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), with large specific surface area and surface amino groups are used to template the in-situ synthesis of Ag domains. To investigate how size, loading and spatial distribution within the mesoporous framework of these Ag domains affect antibacterial activity, three distinct types of MSN-Ag nanocomposites are here synthesized and thoroughly characterized by spectroscopic, morphological and textural analyses. Their antibacterial activity is evaluated against Escherichia coli (E. coli), a high priority antibiotic-resistant pathogen. Using tetrakis(hydroxymethyl) phosphonium chloride as reducing agent for silver precursor, at different concentration in aqueous medium, two MSN-Ag samples are produced: one with ultrasmall Ag domains (< 2 nm in diameter, MSN-Ag THPC 1) and another with larger Ag domains (similar to 23 nm (MSN-Ag THPC 2), both distributed within the mesoporous structures. Conversely, 6 nm sized Ag domains located at the MSN surface can be achieved using butyl amine as reducing and stabilizing agent. All MSN-Ag nanocomposites demonstrate significantly enhanced antibacterial activity at low doses (1 mu g/mL) compared to free Ag NPs. Notably, MSN-Ag BuA shows the highest antibacterial efficacy, achieving 49 % inhibition of E. coli cell growth after 180 min and high Ag+ release percentage (14 %). This superior performance is attributed to optimal Ag domain size, to their localization at the surface of the MSN-NH2 and to the nucleophilic nature of butylamine, which may promote the formation of water-soluble Ag+ complexes, enabling rapid and sustained ions release. These findings highlight that, beyond a mitigated aggregation, the size and surface characteristics of the Ag domains in MSN-based nanocomposites play a crucial role in determining their antibacterial effectiveness.

Recently, ecological imbalance has emerged as a significant environmental concern, driven by the contamination of surface water from rapid industrial development and the improper disposal of household waste [...]

Recent studies have explored SnO2 nanostructures as photo/electrocatalysts substitutes for TiO2 in environmental remediation and energy applications, due to this material sustainability and promising photo/electrocatalytic properties. This surge in interest is driving research endeavors aimed at unraveling the structure–function relationship, which remains not yet fully understood. Here, we present a multilevel characterization of SnO2 nanostructures synthesized by colloidal approaches into either spherical or rod-like shape, through established and low-cost synthetic hydrothermal and precipitation methods. We carefully investigate the synthesized SnO2 nanostructures via a multidisciplinary approach encompassing structural, textural, chemical, and optical characterization tools, unveiling and comparing their distinctive physical–chemical properties. Furthermore, the synthesized materials are assessed in the photocatalytic decolorization of methylene blue dye as a model compound, using commercial TiO2 P25 as a reference. The results highlight that the performance of the material derives from the combination of effects originating from the structure, electronic, and surface properties. Therefore, a multilevel characterization approach can pave the way to decipher which properties at the atomic or microscopic or macroscopic scale, originating from the specific synthesis method and conditions, influence the photocatalytic performance of materials. This manuscript presents a multidisciplinary approach to investigate colloidal SnO2 nanostructures prepared by both hydrothermal and precipitation approaches, with tailored morphology and size, and the relationship among electronic properties and surface characteristics, affecting the materials function as photocatalysts. Although significant literature already exists on SnO2 nanostructures, there is a burgeoning interest in this material as (photo/electro) catalysts due to its sustainability and remarkable photo/electrocatalytic properties. This surge in interest is driving research endeavors aimed at unraveling the intricacies of the structure–function relationship, which remains not yet fully understood. Valuable knowledge of the distinct physical-chemical properties of synthesized SnO2 NPs have been gained by integrating different characterization tools, currently available for investigation of photo(electro)catalyst semiconductors. Thanks to a multilevel approach, it has been highlighted how synthesis methodologies, NP structure, electronic and surface properties, and confirmed that their deliberate manipulation can enhance material (photo)catalytic performance. The manuscript delves into the realms of materials science, engineering, and chemistry, aiming to unravel crucial aspects that bridge materials to design and function. Insights into colloidal synthesis and properties of SnO2 nanostructures to reveal how preparative conditions, morphologies, electronic properties, and surface characteristics influence and improve photocatalytic performance.

p-Type-semiconductor Cu2O facets {111} (octahedral) and {110} (rhombododecahedral) present a higher photo (electro)catalytic activity towards CO2RRs (CO2 Reduction Reaction) than {100} (cubic). Two frustules (the siliceous skeleton of microalgae Diatoms) having a different morphology, namely: Navicula sp. (Nsp, elongated pore-shape) and Conticribra weissflogii (Cw, round pore-shape) have been used for the first time in this work as template for the orientational growth of Cu2O facets. Frustules are calcinated at 700 degrees C to avoid residual organics that may give false positives during photo(electro)catalysis. Each of the frustules is found to induce a facet of Cu2O preferentially. Nsp induces the {111} facet (Band-gap=2.26 eV), while Cw preferentially induces the {110} facet (Band-gap=1.96 eV). Under visible light irradiation, Nsp-grown Cu2O converts CO2 and H2O into methanol, while Cw-grown Cu2O produces ethanol. The different behaviour is related to the different Cu-Cu distance (the active catalytic centres) in the two facets.

The rapid emergence of viral infections, such as SARS-CoV-2, underscores the urgent need for innovative antiviral strategies. This study explores the photocatalytic effectiveness of synthesized mesoporous mTiO2-Ag nanostructures in denaturing viral proteins, thereby inhibiting viral spread. Utilizing protein models, specifically bovine serum albumin (BSA) and the spike protein subunit S1 (S1SP) of SARS-CoV-2, we evaluated the nanocomposite's ability to degrade high molecular weight proteins, simulating the interactions between photo-catalysts and viral proteins. Our findings indicate that the mTiO2-Ag nanocomposite exhibits enhanced photocatalytic performance, effectively disrupting viral structures through reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and physical interactions. This approach not only provides insights into the mechanisms of viral inactivation, pointing out the effect of photocatalytically generated ROS, as center dot OH, but also offers a safe alternative for assessing the antiviral properties of nanomaterials without the need for handling pathogenic viruses. The results support the potential application of photocatalytic nanomaterials in disinfection strategies, promoting safer and more effective solutions for controlling viral infections in various environments.

Hybrid nanocomposites based on 1-pyrene carboxylic acid (PCA) functionalized High Porous Reduced Graphene Oxide (HPRGO) sheets, decorated with oleic acid (OLEA)-coated TiO2 nanocrystals (NCs), have been obtained by means of an in situ colloidal route, starting from titanium isopropoxide (TTIP) precursor, in presence of OLEA surfactant and trimethylamino-N-oxide dihydrate (TMAO) base catalyst. The effect of the synthesis parameters, namely the PCA-HPRGO:TTIP w/w and the OLEA:TTIP molar ratio, on the morphological, spectroscopic and structural properties of the nanocomposites, has been explored, to achieve highly crystalline TiO2 nanostructures, with a reproducible control on morphology and crystalline phase (anatase). The TiO2 NCs have been found to effectively heteronucleate and grow onto the -COOH groups of the PCA molecules anchoring onto the HPRGO basal plane by aromatic it-it stacking interactions. The OLEA ligand coordinating their surface endows the nanocomposites with dispersibility in organic solvents, with a morphology dictated by the PCA coordinating sites, OLEA, and the mode of the TMAO supply to the reaction mixture. A significantly higher coating density has been found for the TiO2 in nanorods (NRs) morphology, which organize in a uniform and high packed layout onto the PCA-HPRGO basal plane. The TiO2 NRs decorated PCA-HPRGO nanocomposites (TiO2 NRs/PCAHPRGO) have been tested as photocatalysts for the degradation of methyl red (MR) and nalidixic acid (NA) under UV- and solar-light irradiation. Their photocatalytic activity has been evaluated against TiO2 reference and commercial nanostructures and discussed in terms of electronic level alignment between the hybrid nanostructure components, considering the role of the PCA anchoring molecule at the interphase.

The application of thermally conductive materials as coating on fiber surfaces represents an innovative technology solution for conveying heat dissipation capability to IR-opaque textiles. In this work, a sustainable and scalable approach to manufacture a hybrid nanocomposite coating for cotton, formed by Reduced Graphene Oxide (RGO) sheets functionalized by histidine (His) and decorated by Ag nanoparticles (NPs), is reported for increasing thermal conductivity of cotton fabrics. Tens nm in size Ag NPs were synthesized, in situ, at the coordinating sites of the His-RGO modified cotton impregnated by H2O/CH3OH solutions of the AgNO3 precursor, under UV-light exposure, without using chemical reductants. The physical chemical properties of the nanocomposite modified fabrics were comprehensively investigated, integrating chemical, structural and morphological analysis, with characterizations of their thermal, electrical, oxygen permeability, surface wettability and mechanical properties. Thermal conductivity of cotton was measured by Differential Scanning calorimetry (DSC) technique, which was here validated by Transient Plane Source (TPS) method, assessing the effectiveness of DSC in measuring thermal conductivity of textiles. The resulting coating exhibits a thermal conductivity, which was twice as high as untreated cotton, maintaining its breathability, increasing its flexibility, while simultaneously reducing its wettability. This notable enhancement can be attributed to the synergistic effect of the conductive Ag nanostructures formed among the His-RGO sheets within the nanocomposite, and it matches the thermal conductivity achieved by current state-of-the-art methods, while offering additional advantages of being more eco-friendly, scalable, and sustainable. The reported characterization of the structural properties of the achieved coating opens the venue to interesting perspectives towards its application in passive conducting cooling textiles for personal thermal comfort management.

The controlled assembly of nanocrystals (NCs) in 3D systems is an intriguing strategy to engineer innovative materials with advanced functionalities. Herein, undoped and manganese‐doped cesium lead mixed halide perovskite NCs are organized into ordered superstructures. The synthesis of CsPbClxBr3–x NCs is carried out under mild conditions, achieving nanocubes with tunable composition emission and high quantum yields. Incorporating Mn(II) as a dopant induces the appearance of a red emission band and introduces a morphological diversity at the nanoscale. Well‐faceted micrometer‐sized supercrystals (SCs) on substrates without external templates are fabricated by a slow destabilization approach, based on capillary‐driven assembly in an antisolvent vapor environment. Through comprehensive structural and spectroscopic characterization, remarkable differences between doped and undoped systems are reveled in terms of their assembly behavior, morphology, and optical properties. Confocal microscopy, combined with fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy, uncovers the unexpected spatial arrangement of emission within these superstructures, while diffraction analysis identifies distinct domains in co‐crystallized supercuboids. These findings provide crucial insights into how dopant incorporation influences the assembly processes and the collective optical behavior in perovskite SCs, establishing a foundation for designing functional NC architectures with tailored properties for next‐generation optoelectronic applications.

The global spread of pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, poses a serious threat to public health and the global economy, as evidenced by the severe and widespread impact of the COVID-19 pandemic [...]

TiO2 nanocomposites are widely studied for the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants. Coupling TiO2, an n-type semiconductor, with an electron-sink co-catalyst effectively reduces electron-hole recombination, thereby enhancing photocatalytic efficiency. In this study, photoactive nanocomposite coatings were developed for the first time by depositing TiO2 nanoparticles and AgNO3 in various ratios within a siloxane matrix via aerosol-assisted atmospheric pressure plasma deposition. The photocatalytic activity of these coatings was assessed by monitoring the discoloration of a solution of methylene blue under UV irradiation (lambda = 254 nm) using UV-Vis spectroscopy, with recyclability tested over three cycles. The chemical composition, structure, and morphology have been also assessed. The beneficial effect of the silver addition was more evident for coatings deposited with a low amount of TiO2. Moreover, repeated use of the photocatalytic coatings led to enhanced performance, due to partial matrix degradation and photoreduction of Ag(I) to Ag(0), as confirmed by X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy.

p-Type-semiconductor Cu2O facets {111} (octahedral) and {110} (rhombododecahedral) present a higher photo(electro)catalytic activity towards CO2RRs (CO2 Reduction Reaction) than {100} (cubic). Two frustules (the siliceous skeleton of microalgae Diatoms) having a different morphology, namely: Navicula sp. (Nsp, elongated pore-shape) and Conticribra weissflogii (Cw, round pore-shape) have been used for the first time in this work as template for the orientational growth of Cu2O facets. Frustules are calcinated at 700 °C to avoid residual organics that may give false positives during photo(electro)catalysis. Each of the frustules is found to induce a facet of Cu2O preferentially. Nsp induces the {111} facet (Band-gap=2.26 eV), while Cw preferentially induces the {110} facet (Band-gap=1.96 eV). Under visible light irradiation, Nsp-grown Cu2O converts CO2 and H2O into methanol, while Cw-grown Cu2O produces ethanol. The different behaviour is related to the different Cu-Cu distance (the active catalytic centres) in the two facets.

Biodiesel, produced mainly through transesterification of vegetable oils or animal fats, is a promising alternative to fossil fuels due to its biodegradability and reduced environmental impact. Biodiesel synthesized from waste cooking oil (WCO) is even more appealing from an environmental sustainability point of view. However, the crude WCO biodiesel is not immediately suitable as a fuel due to inherent limitations such as poor oxidative stability and suboptimal cold flow properties. To overcome these issues, an upgrading reaction must be carried out, which consists of a partial hydrogenation of the polyunsaturated chains of FAMEs aiming at converting polyunsaturated compounds to monounsaturated ones while avoiding fully saturated products. This study introduces a strategic modification of waste steel slag (SS) to obtain a new catalyst effective in the WCO biodiesel upgrading step. A bimetallic Fe-Ni system onto SS was synthesized aiming at combining the stability and basic properties of the support with the high catalytic activity of the metals. Two methods for partial hydrogenation were employed: the conventional partial hydrogenation method with molecular hydrogen and the catalytic transfer hydrogenation using NaBH4. Both methods utilized heterogeneous nickel-iron oxide-based catalysts supported onto SS leading to a WCO biodiesel mixture rich in C18:1 chains.

Hybrid nanocomposites based on graphene derivatives decorated with inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted the interest of the scientific community for advanced technology applications, due to the synergistic combination of the superior properties of graphene with the unique size- and shape-dependent functionalities of the inorganic matter, at the nanoscale. Such a combination is able not only to enhance the properties of the single components, but also to achieve original and unprecedented functionalities, thus motivating significant efforts in developing innovative solutions for preparing multifunctional nanocomposites. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the latest bottom-up and top-down methods, and often unconventional chemical and physical approaches, for the in situ decoration of graphene derivatives with inorganic NPs, and also offers insights into the origin of their structure- and morphology-related properties, in view of their potential applications. After a general description of the properties of graphene derivatives, their covalent and non-covalent functionalisation routes, selected examples of in situ and ex situ methods for preparing nanocomposites with inorganic NPs, polymers and molecules are addressed, and a comprehensive discussion of the latest unconventional in situ routes for manufacturing functional hybrid nanocomposite materials and their technological application in devices is reported.