Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide a functionalized carbon matrix, compositions and composites including the same, and methods of making and using the same. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a functionalized carbon matrix having the structure CM-(NZ-L-FG)n. At each occurrence, Z is independently selected from H and a bond to CM. The variable CM is a substituted or unsubstituted carbon matrix. At each occurrence, linker L is independently substituted or unsubstituted. At each occurrence, variable FG is independently selected from a functional group. The degree of substitution n is about 1 to about 1,000,000.