A method of manufacturing a composition with hierarchical nanochemical bonding includes making a powder of one or more oxygen containing materials; mixing the powder either with a water solution of organic and/or inorganic acid to form an acidic slurry, or with water to form a hydrated basic slurry; and curing the slurry to form a solid. The powder comprises nanoscale particles, or microscale particles, or a mixture of nanoscale particles and microscale particles.