Composite Particles and Method of Forming

A method of forming a composite particle comprising:

• providing a mixture comprising at least one inorganic nanoparticle, a solvent, and at least one linking compound of the formula
• M(Z)n(R)m
• wherein each metal atom M is independently selected from the group consisting of Si and Ti;
• each Z is independently selected from the group consisting of —OR′ and —X;
• wherein R′ is C1-C6 selected from linear, branched, and cyclic groups, or combinations thereof or which may be substituted, and each X is a halide;
• each R is C1-C18 selected from linear, branched, and cyclic groups, or combinations thereof, or which may be substituted;
• n is 2 or 3;
• and m is 1 or 2;
• agitating the mixture to provide at least one inorganic nanoparticle precursor in which the at least one linking compound is covalently bound to at least one inorganic nanoparticle through metal atom M;
• adding at least one inorganic microparticle to the mixture;
• and
• reacting the at least one inorganic microparticle and the mixture to covalently bind at least one inorganic nanoparticle precursor to at least one inorganic microparticle through metal atom M.