The last decade has witnessed an increasing interest in the development of hybrid materials with novel
properties. Noble metal NPs–gel materials represent a new class of hybrid composites, envisaged by
many to have great potential for technological applications, as a consequence of the beneficial integration
of the properties of both the NPs and the gelling compounds. This review article provides an up-todate
account of the most interesting and inspiring works published in the field, especially focusing on
their preparation and characterization. Some examples of practical uses of such intriguing materials are
also described
