Nanoparticle compositions for use as solder, and methods for joining two or more material surfaces using nanoparticle solder compositions are described. Due to their small size, nanoparticles of a particular material have a lower melting temperature than the same material in bulk, thereby providing a homogenous bond between two or more materials when the nanoparticle solder is solidified. A gas species, such as hydrogen, can be introduced to further lower the melting temperature of the nanoparticles. The nanoparticles can also be used to form films on low melting point, substrates, including flexible substrates. The nanoparticles for use in the present invention can comprise any material, including semiconductor materials, metals, or insulator materials, and are less than about 20 nm in diameter, although larger sizes can also be used.