Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of modifying properties of a cellulosic material, the method comprising: depositing an additive onto the cellulosic material, the additive being in a vapor phase and configured to modify one or more properties of the cellulosic material; and adsorbing the additive into the cellulosic material, wherein the additive reacts with one or more functional groups of the cellulosic material. The depositing can comprise an atomic layer deposition of the additive onto the cellulosic material. The additive can be configured to react with a nucleophile in the cellulosic material. The one or more properties of the cellulosic material can include: hydrophobicity, thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, fungo-toxicity, toxicity, wettability, tensile strength, corrosiveness, biodegradability, bio-toxicity, or swelling.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an inorganic nanostructure-organic polymer heterostructure, useful as a thermoelectric composite material, comprising (a) an inorganic nanostructure, and (b) an electrically conductive organic polymer disposed on the inorganic nanostructure. Both the inorganic nanostructure and the electrically conductive organic polymer are solution-processable.