Abstract: Disclosed herein are nanodiamond composites and methods for their synthesis. In particular, the nanodiamond composites include large-surface-area polymer composites that include a polymer and nanodiamond dispersed and bound therein. The resulting composites having certain properties of diamond (e.g., drug-loading sites with low toxicity) yet are inexpensive and relatively easy to fabricate. Aerogels formed using a polycondensation polymer are particularly described herein, although many polymer systems are compatible. Synthesis of the nanodiamond composites is achieved by polymerizing a mixture of nanodiamond and a polymer precursor.