A general method is reported for creating functional organic–inorganic hybrid materials by copolymerization of organic molecules and inorganic compounds. The approach is based on a miniemulsion polymerization technique followed by a thermal pyrolysis step, and yields nanostructured composites in which nanoparticles are uniformly embedded in a porous, partially graphitic carbon matrix. The method builds upon our previous report disclosing synthesis of organic–inorganic hybrids using miniemulsion polymerization and demonstrates that ex situ engineering of the inorganic phase leads to remarkably improved function. We specifically show that depending upon the chemistry of the starting materials, nanoscale organic–inorganic hybrid materials created using the approach are attractive as anodes and cathodes for next-generation lithium and other rechargeable battery systems. Additionally, we show that the platform is very versatile and through ex situ conversion or utilization of multiple precursors, can be applied to various classes of materials including metal oxides, metals, metal sulfides and alloys. The approach also lends itself to the development of scalable processes for production of nanostructured battery materials.
