Interweaving spins with their environment: novel inorganic nanohybrids with controllable magnetic properties

We discuss current developments in the synthesis and characterization of magnetic nanohybrids made of molecular magnets and nanostructured materials. We first review several novel approaches that have recently been attempted to combine magnetic coordination complexes with differently-obtained inorganic systems. Special focus is placed on how the altered environment can affect the magnetic properties of single molecules, providing new routes to multifunctional devices based on hybrid magnetic nanosystems. We then show how this approach is opening new outlooks towards the control of nanomagnets using external stimuli (e.g. photons, electrons, etc.) and for the creation of ultra-sensitive devices. Eventually we provide a unified vision of the area, with a personal perspective on the main goals currently at stake and of possible future developments.