This invention provides a process for making a polyfunctional starburst-shaped fullerene derivative for use as a matrix-reinforcing agent for mesoporous and other porous materials. This invention can include the formation of a highly soluble example of such a derivative from a fullerene and a bifunctional coupling agent. A solution of said agent can be delivered to the surface of a porous solid during, or after, the solids formation. Porous films and bodies containing such a matrix-reinforcing agent can exhibit improved mechanical properties, and can be produced using equipment and techniques common and available to those skilled in the art of porous materials preparations.