The present invention includes a method for preparing a nanoparticle filled nanocomposite material, the method including the steps of providing a plurality of nanoparticles. attaching a first layer of organic ligand to the nanoparticle via a phosphate or phosphonate linkage, covalently attaching a second layer of matrix compatible polymer to said first layer of organic ligand to produce modified nanoparticles, providing a polymer matrix and dispersing the modified nanoparticles in the polymer matrix, wherein the dispersement of the modified nanoparticles into the polymer matrix results in a nanocomposite material, and wherein the modified nanoparticles are modified such that the first layer is proximal to the nanoparticle and the second layer is distal to the nanoparticle. Also within the scope of the invention are modified nanoparticles, alternative nanocomposite materials and methods of making the same.