Abstract
This chapter is devoted to the presentation of hybrid nanocomposite materials obtained through the interaction of colloidal crystalline polysaccharides and precursors of oxide phases. It also includes a preliminary introduction to the chemistry and physical chemistry of the polysaccharide nanocrystals, mainly cellulose and chitin. The main approaches and processes employed for the synthesis of the nanocomposites are described for different oxide families: silica, transition metals and metal oxides, phosphate and carbonate phases, and graphene oxide. Additionally, the properties of the materials are mentioned, and described in more details when they result from a combination of polysaccharide and oxide phases (typically for mechanical and optical properties). Globally, this chapter aims at giving a comprehensive review of the innovating research undertaken in the field and providing starting knowledge for nonspecialist readers.