Recent advances in the preparation of hybrid nanoparticles in miniemulsions

• The recent advances in the preparation of hybrid nanoparticles (NPs) in miniemulsions since 2009 were summarized.
• Hybrid NPs include organic–inorganic, polymeric, and natural macromolecule/synthetic polymer NPs.
• Hybrid NPs can be prepared through encapsulation of a second moiety by polymers in miniemulsions.
• Hybrid NPs can be prepared through formation of a second moiety in a nanoscale polymeric matrix in miniemulsions.Characterization, properties, and applications of hybrid NPs are also discussed.

In this review, we summarize recent advances in the synthesis of hybrid nanoparticles in miniemulsions since 2009. These hybrid nanoparticles include organic–inorganic, polymeric, and natural macromolecule/synthetic polymer hybrid nanoparticles. They may be prepared through encapsulation of inorganic components or natural macromolecules by miniemulsion (co)polymerization, simultaneous polymerization of vinyl monomers and vinyl-containing inorganic precursors, precipitation of preformed polymers in the presence of inorganic constituents through solvent displacement techniques, and grafting polymerization onto, from or through natural macromolecules. Characterization, properties, and applications of hybrid nanoparticles are also discussed.

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