A composite comprising a first layer comprising a first material including nanoparticles dispersed therein, wherein the first material comprises a material capable of transporting charge, a second layer comprising a second material, and a backing element that is removably attached to the uppermost layer of the composite or the lowermost layer of the composite. In certain preferred embodiments, a least a portion of the nanoparticles include a ligand attached to a surface thereof. Methods are also disclosed. Products including a composite is further provided. Composite materials can be particularly well-suited for use, for example, in products useful in various optical, electronic, optoelectronic, magnetic, or catalytic devices.