Nanodiamonds embedded in shells

Abstract Novel nanomaterials based on nanodiamonds embedded in various types of shells are described. Numerous examples are presented to illustrate the general concept of conversion of the nanodiamond surface to fundamentally different nanointerfaces. Synthetic approaches leading to silica, polymer, protein, metal, and sp 2 carbon-coated core–shell structures with a diamond core are discussed. The colloidal properties, prevention of aggregation, antifouling properties, shapes, and optical and material properties of the nanomaterials are presented, as well as their emerging applications.